For spelling and vocabulary I am a strong believer in a thorough study of phonics. They provide essential building blocks for both reading and spelling skills. I also feel that children need to learn basic spelling rules, such as "'I' before 'E,' except after 'C,' and when sounding like 'A' as in "neighbor' and 'weigh.'" Spelling rules, like phonics, will serve them for life when they need to spell the many complex words in the English language.
Once phonics and spelling rules are mastered in the early elementary grades, I advocate the following approach to spelling and vocabulary:
1) Vocabulary -- Study Latin and Greek roots, along with their many English derivatives. Of course, also learn to spell the derivatives!
2) Spelling and additional vocabulary -- Use the nearly-free tissue box method, which is tailored to your student's precise needs. I have used this successfully with two children, and it works like a charm! Follow these steps:
A. Empty a tissue box and let the student decorate it. Also, buy a pack of 3x5 index cards and cut them in half.
B. Whenever your student misspells a word or doesn't know the meaning of a word in a book, write it on a card. For vocabulary words, have the student practice dictionary skills by looking up the word and copying the part of speech and definition onto the back of the card. If a word has multiple definitions, just choose the one that matches the word's usage in the book. You may need to simplify the definition for your student.
C. Have the student select a set number of words each day to practice. They can be chosen or picked out of the box at random, but they should include both spelling and vocabulary words, if possible.
D. Every week, quiz the student on a set number of words. For spelling, the student can simply spell the word correctly. For vocabulary, the student should recite the part of speech and the definition. He or she should also spell the words correctly and use them in an original sentence. You can choose the words for quizzing or let your student choose. Place a checkmark in the top right corner of the card when the student is correct.
E. After three such successful quizzes, record the word as mastered and let the student have the satisfaction of ripping up the card!
If you are inclined to a formal program, I suggest those that follow. I have starred the ones I've personally used:
Once phonics and spelling rules are mastered in the early elementary grades, I advocate the following approach to spelling and vocabulary:
1) Vocabulary -- Study Latin and Greek roots, along with their many English derivatives. Of course, also learn to spell the derivatives!
2) Spelling and additional vocabulary -- Use the nearly-free tissue box method, which is tailored to your student's precise needs. I have used this successfully with two children, and it works like a charm! Follow these steps:
A. Empty a tissue box and let the student decorate it. Also, buy a pack of 3x5 index cards and cut them in half.
B. Whenever your student misspells a word or doesn't know the meaning of a word in a book, write it on a card. For vocabulary words, have the student practice dictionary skills by looking up the word and copying the part of speech and definition onto the back of the card. If a word has multiple definitions, just choose the one that matches the word's usage in the book. You may need to simplify the definition for your student.
C. Have the student select a set number of words each day to practice. They can be chosen or picked out of the box at random, but they should include both spelling and vocabulary words, if possible.
D. Every week, quiz the student on a set number of words. For spelling, the student can simply spell the word correctly. For vocabulary, the student should recite the part of speech and the definition. He or she should also spell the words correctly and use them in an original sentence. You can choose the words for quizzing or let your student choose. Place a checkmark in the top right corner of the card when the student is correct.
E. After three such successful quizzes, record the word as mastered and let the student have the satisfaction of ripping up the card!
If you are inclined to a formal program, I suggest those that follow. I have starred the ones I've personally used:
Vocabulary
* Vocabulary from Classical Roots series (EPS )
Roots of English, by Paul O'Brien (Memoria Press)
* The Book of Roots, by Paul O'Brien (Memoria Press)
Rummy Roots and More Roots games (Eternal Hearts, multi-level)
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Spelling
Adams-Gordon's Spelling Power, by Beverly L. Adams-Gordon (Castlemoyle Books)
* Spelling Skills series (Flash Kids Harcourt Family Learning)
My Catholic Speller series, by Nancy Nicholson (Catholic Heritage Curricula)
Natural Speller, by Kathryn Stout (Design-a-Study)
Spelling Workout series (Modern Curriculum Press)
Traditional Spelling series, by Cheryl Lowe (Memoria Press)
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