Spelling

Just a reminder regarding spelling . . . generally we begin working on a new list each Monday, and a spelling list with blanks for practicing at home is sent home after we've taken our "pre test" (we do this on whiteboards and then do some word work with the words - ex. identify the commonalities/spelling patterns in the words).   You are welcome to use this list to help your child practice his/her words at home, but do not have to return it to school.

Students practice spelling the words correctly in their practice books, and we also strive to correctly spell our spelling words in our writing (stories, journals).   Because the words are often very similar (due to being word families), a “post test” is not given for each spelling list – most students are easily able to correctly spell the words after learning the pattern for the list.  At the end of each reading theme (every 4-5 lists or so), a theme review list post test will be given, in which selected words from that theme’s lists will be included.  This allows me to see if students are remembering/applying the spelling patterns/rules we have learned.

Another way to practice spelling words is to utilize the website spelling city.com (linked to our blog - students are familiar with the site and know how to navigate it).  Only spelling lists from the theme we are working on will be visible on the spelling city site.  Select the title of the reading story we are working on to practice words from that list.  

We just completed our post test for theme 2, and are now working on words for theme 3. The current list is "Tricker Tales"/words with the "oy" sound,  and will be sent home today (Monday, 11/5).