The Spelling curriculum will begin in January.
Of course, we are looking for your child to do well on weekly tests but conventional spelling is also assessed in Word Study, Writer's Workshop, Journals, Literacy Centers, and Mathematics.
The words are sent home daily on a binder ring. Please help your child practice these words before or after the reading homework. The following are some tips for success:
* Practice only a couple of words per night!!!
Your child will NOT retain 8 words in one sitting.
Likewise, cramming 8 words Thursday night before the Friday test is not ideal.
We are looking for long-term retention as opposed to short-term.
* Words aren't learned for one week and then forgotten about...we use them all year.
* As you help your child, focus on the parts to learn and remember.
For example, make : your child writes m-a-k.
The part to learn and remember through written practice is 'e.'
* Aside from pencil and paper, use magnetic letters to practice.
It provides your child with a hands-on way to learn and manipulate the letters.
Spelling words aloud is not an effective way to practice since the words are assessed in written
format. (Composition is a much more complex skill than letter calling.)
* Encourage your child to find spelling words in their take-home reading books.
Visualizing how words look can help your child write them correctly.
***** There will be instances when you may find yourself saying, "My child knows how to write that word..."
and you are probably correct BUT it may not be consistent here at school.
Of course, we are looking for your child to do well on weekly tests but conventional spelling is also assessed in Word Study, Writer's Workshop, Journals, Literacy Centers, and Mathematics.
The words are sent home daily on a binder ring. Please help your child practice these words before or after the reading homework. The following are some tips for success:
* Practice only a couple of words per night!!!
Your child will NOT retain 8 words in one sitting.
Likewise, cramming 8 words Thursday night before the Friday test is not ideal.
We are looking for long-term retention as opposed to short-term.
* Words aren't learned for one week and then forgotten about...we use them all year.
* As you help your child, focus on the parts to learn and remember.
For example, make : your child writes m-a-k.
The part to learn and remember through written practice is 'e.'
* Aside from pencil and paper, use magnetic letters to practice.
It provides your child with a hands-on way to learn and manipulate the letters.
Spelling words aloud is not an effective way to practice since the words are assessed in written
format. (Composition is a much more complex skill than letter calling.)
* Encourage your child to find spelling words in their take-home reading books.
Visualizing how words look can help your child write them correctly.
***** There will be instances when you may find yourself saying, "My child knows how to write that word..."
and you are probably correct BUT it may not be consistent here at school.