Transcript Spelling is an Integral Part of Learning the Language, Not a Matter

Spelling is an Integral Part of Learning
the Language, Not a Matter of
Memorization
“Spelling is the foundation of reading and the
greatest ornament of writing.” Noah Webster
Spelling is an Integral Part of Learning
the Language, Not a Matter of
Memorization
Spelling instruction underpins reading success by
creating an awareness of the sounds that make up
words and the letters that spell those sounds.
Spelling is an Integral Part of Learning
the Language, Not a Matter of
Memorization
Even though there is a close relationship between
reading and spelling, spelling in the elementary
grades is usually taught as an isolated, often visual
task.
Spelling is an Integral Part of Learning
the Language, Not a Matter of
Memorization
One common perception we have encountered is
that visual memory, analogous to taking a mental
picture of the word is the basis for spelling skill.
Spelling is an Integral Part of Learning
the Language, Not a Matter of
Memorization
This is based primarily that in 1926, a study on deaf
children spelled relatively well compared with normal
children of reading experience. Researchers
recommended that spelling instruction emphasize the
development of visual memory for whole words.
Spelling is an Integral Part of Learning
the Language, Not a Matter of
Memorization
Spelling is a linguistic task that requires knowledge
of sounds and letter patterns. Good spellers
develop insights into how words are spelled based
on sound-letter correspondence, meaningful parts
of words, and word origins and history.
Spelling is an Integral Part of Learning
the Language, Not a Matter of
Memorization
Explicit instruction in language structure, and
especially sound structure, is essential to learning to
spell.
Don't Students Learn to Spell through
Flashcards and Writing Words?
Given both the widespread belief that English spelling is
irregular, it’s no surprise that many teachers teach
spelling by writing words on flashcards and exposing
students to the words many times.
Don't Students Learn to Spell through
Flashcards and Writing Words?
Studies show that spelling instruction based on the
sounds of language produces good results.
Don't Students Learn to Spell through
Flashcards and Writing Words?
Successful spelling programs had one thing in
common: they were all based on structured
language instruction that explicitly taught principles
like sound-letter correspondence.
Don't Students Learn to Spell through
Flashcards and Writing Words?
Researchers found that 2nd and 3rd graders
improved after structured reading instruction based
on the concept that speech sounds are represented
by printed words.
Don't Students Learn to Spell through
Flashcards and Writing Words?
Linguistically explicit spelling instruction improves
spelling of studied words and novel words.
Is English Predictable Enough for
Explicit Spelling Instruction?
If English spelling were completely arbitrary, one could argue
that visual memorization would be the only option, yet 50
percent of English words are predictable based on soundletter correspondence that can be taught. Another 34
percent are predictable except for one sound (i.e. knit).
Is English Predictable Enough for
Explicit Spelling Instruction?
Noam Chomsky and Morris Halle, well known linguist
said that the English language is “a near optimal system
for lexical representation.” For example: They rode
along the rode and, when they reached the lake, they
rode across it vs. They rode along the road and, when
they reached the lake, they rowed across it.
What types of Information Make
Spelling Predictable?
Word Origin and history
2. Syllable patterns and meaningful parts of words
3. Letter pattern
1.
What types of Information Make
Spelling Predictable?
Word Origins
Knowing word origins can be helpful in pronouncing
and spelling them. For example, in words of Greek
origin, which tend to be long and scientific, the F is
reliably spelling ph, as in photosynthesis. Fancy French
words us that same CH combination for the SH sound as
in champagne.
What types of Information Make
Spelling Predictable?
Anglo-Saxon word origins
Typically short, related to daily life, and often have
silent letters that were once pronounced.
Example:
Wrist, wring, and wrench, would be helpful for
students to know that these words share the
meaning “twist”
What types of Information Make
Spelling Predictable?
Caesarean=Julius Caesar
Leotard=Jules Leotard
Pasteurize=Louis Pasteur
Maverick=Sam Maverick
What types of Information Make
Spelling Predictable?
Syllable Patterns and Meaningful Parts of Words
Two common types of syllables, called closed and open
that are very helpful in spelling.
Closed syllable has one vowel followed by at least one
consonant and the vowel is short (cat and ball).
Open syllables end in one vowel and the vowel is long
(go and he)
What types of Information Make
Spelling Predictable?
If students are taught open and closed syllables they
know why rabbit has two b and label only has 1 b.
The word rabbit has two syllables, rab and bit. Knowing
this makes the spelling of rabbit more concrete and less
obscure.
Label on the other hand has la bel. The first syllable is
open and the second is closed, making the spelling of
label more concrete and less obscure for students.
What types of Information Make
Spelling Predictable?
Letter Patterns in Words
Knowledge of letter patterns in words provides
students with clues for spelling. English has certain
constraints on how letters can be used. For
example, q is almost always followed by u and then
another vowel as in queen and quail.
What types of Information Make
Spelling Predictable?
Letter Patterns in Words
Students need not learn all of the possible letter
patterns, but they should learn the letter patterns
that frequently represent each sound. For example
the k sound can be with c or k.
What should be taught in Each
Grade?
K=activities that heighten students’ awareness of the sound that make up
languages
1=Anglo-Saxon words with regular consonant and vowel sound-letter
correspondences are introduced.
2=More complex Anglo-Saxon words
3=multi-syllabic words, unstressed vowel, and most common prefixes and
suffixes
4=Latin based prefixes, suffixed and root are introduced
5=Greek combining forms are introduced (i.e. photosynthesis, biology etc.)
How Should Spelling Be Taught?
Students should be taught about the
lawfulness of spelling, while irregularities are
acknowledged. Students can be encouraged
to recognize, learn, and use the patterns in
English spelling through systematic, explicit
instruction and activities.
How Should Spelling Be Assessed?
When testing students’ spelling, it’s
important to go beyond simply making
words right or wrong. The assessment
should be an opportunity to evaluates
students’ understanding of sounds and
conventional spelling patterns.