What does the research say about spelling tests?
There is solid research demonstrating that spelling is important. Explicit, systematic spelling instruction has been shown to improve performance in reading fluency and comprehension. In fact, practice at spelling helps a student’s reading ability more than practice at reading helps spelling.
Why spelling tests are ineffective?
“Spelling lists don’t provide students with an understanding of why words are spelled certain ways, which would help students figure out how to spell the new words they encounter. Just one time through {like memorizing words for a spelling test} does not give them multiple {nor meaningful} exposure to the words.
Does research support spelling tests?
The newer research supports the view of spelling as a complex cognitive process that is intrinsically and undeniably related to language, reading, and writing (Ehri, 2006; Snow, Griffin, & Burns, 2005; Treiman, 2006).
What are the methods of teaching spelling?
Tips for teaching spelling
- Let them get creative.
- Write words out by hand.
- Encourage reading.
- Spell the word out loud.
- Keep words on display.
- Play games to practice.
- Teach touch typing.
- Explain mnemonics.
Why do teachers give spelling tests?
If you are an educator who is still giving traditional spelling tests, I strongly urge you to give word study a try — not because I said so, but because it will provide your students with balanced literacy instruction and exponentially increase their ability to read, write and spell.
How important is teaching spelling?
Teaching spelling is just as important as it used to be—perhaps even more so. When students can both decode (read words) and encode (spell words), they have a much better grasp of language overall. Simply put, learning to spell helps our students become better readers and better writers.
Are spelling programs effective?
Spelling programs that teach spelling through phonemic, whole-word, and morphemic approaches while utilizing Direct Instruction components (e.g., systematic error correction, cumulative review/distributed prac- tice, and sequenced lessons) are highly effective in teaching accurate spelling.
How can I learn to spell without spelling tests?
How to Teach Spelling Without Weekly Tests
- Choose a spelling system that uses logical progression. A system that teaches spelling words in logical groups is a good place to start.
- Investigate spelling in context.
- Regularly assess spelling ability.
- Create a word wall, personal dictionary, or journal.
- Games.
Why do we use spelling tests?
Weekly spelling tests are a time-honored tradition in American elementary schools. Word study is based on phonics, spelling and vocabulary and teaches students to examine, recognize and comprehend the patterns in words. An understanding of these patterns helps students master spelling more effectively.
How do you check spelling without spelling tests?
Is word study a viable alternative to weekly spelling tests?
Even though many educators and parents are totally against abandoning weekly spelling tests, it is my professional opinion that alternative methods of spelling instruction, such as word study, are more viable.
What’s the best way to practice spelling?
You know the routine (because you went to elementary school, and it hasn’t changed): students get new words on Monday, “practice” them during the week using various drills; they take a test on Friday, and then on Monday, misspell the words and all the other words that share that spelling feature.
How important is spelling in teaching?
Teaching spelling well is a huge topic, one that can’t be covered here in a blog post. But it’s clear that we need to teach kids to spell in a way that makes sense. We know that spelling supports reading and that accurate spelling of words supports fluent writing.
How do you teach irregular spelling patterns to students?
When a student studies words with irregular spelling patterns independently, the student should practice a word by saying the word, saying and writing each letter, and then saying the word again. The student should then check the spelling against a correct model and practice again—as many times as necessary.