Spelling

Dear Parents/Caregivers,

This week we are beginning our spelling program. I will be using the Words Their Way developmental spelling program. Your child will be bringing home a set of words each week that relate to their spelling needs. These words will have been introduced in class on Mondays, and we will have a test on the Friday of the same week (Thursdays if Friday is a holiday). The words can be cut apart to facilitate the activities. You can support your child each week by doing one or more of the following activities every evening:

Word Sort: Sort out the words into categories using the underlined words as a guideline. Words can also be sorted other ways according to a different rule, but make sure your child can explain why they are sorting them in the different way.

Blind Sort: Lay down a word from each category as a header and then read the rest of the words aloud. Do not let your child see the word, and have them indicate where the word goes. Then lay it down, and have them move it if necessary.

Word Hunt: Help your child do a word hunt by looking for words in a book they have already read that have the same sound or pattern as the words in the word list.

Practice Test: Read out the words and have your child spell them both orally and in written form. Regular practice will help your child to be successful in their spelling.

Thank you for your support.

Gina Carter