Spelling Practice #1
This is an effective procedure for learning spelling words. Today each student practiced it with one of the names from their current spelling list.
Step 1: Check your spelling list. Check each word/name for correct spellings and capitalization.
Step 2: Fold a piece of plain 8 ½ x 11 paper hotdog-wise.
Step 3: Fold the top (from the narrow end) over about 1 inch.
Step 4: Under that fold, write one of your spelling words or names. Write and capitalize it correctly. Place a star (*) by it, showing that this is the original, correct spelling.
Step 5: Read the word: look at it and say it. Notice word parts. Watch for spelling hints within the word. (For example, you can divide Mr. Thornton's name into two parts: thorn and ton. Picture a ton of thorns in his classroom. Ouch!)
Step 6: Spell the word to yourself: touch each letter with your pencil and say the letter softly aloud to yourself.
Step 7: Close your eyes. See the word in your mind. Say each of the individual letters softly aloud to yourself.
Step 8: Fold the paper over again, covering the word.
Step 9: Write the word again, saying each of the individual letters to yourself as you write it.
Step 10. Open up the fold and check your spelling against the correctly spelled word.
Step 11: Fold the paper over again enough to create a new blank area with the word hidden.
--- Repeat steps 9, 10, and 11 two more times.
Step 12. Take a break from this activity,
keeping your paper handy. When you come back to your spelling practice, complete steps 13 and 14, and if you have time, go on to step 15.
Step 13. Don’t look at the word. Make sure the word is covered, and spell it without looking.
Step 14. Check your spelling against the correct original. Hopefully you've correctly spelled the word! If you have, go on to step 15. If not, follow the above steps again for that word.
Step 15 . . . . Turn the paper upside down or inside out and practice another spelling word.
Originally published 8/25/08
