“The goal of effective spelling instruction is to create fluent writers, not perfect scores on the spelling test.”- Gladys Rosencrans
Seven Principles for Understanding Word Knowledge
1. Know the Rules: Teach students common spelling patterns as they are encountered.
(Williams, Philips-Birdsons, Hufnagel, Hungler, and Lundstorm, 2009)o Word studies can be completed with students to teach spelling instruction, without focusing on memorization.
2. Observe Patterns and Trends: Give students the opportunity to explore words because it increases their critical skills of inquiry.
o Spelling tests should include words with similar spelling patterns.
o Increase patterns by using words that have the same sound but different spellings, and homophones.
3. Apply a strategy: There are numerous strategies that can be taught to students to support independent spelling skills.
o Visualize the word – think about what the word looks like.
o Think of a similar word, to aid the spelling of a new word
o Use an analogy
4. Analyze Errors and Correct Them: Memorizing words for a spelling test creates a problem because students will not be able to retrieve the word in the future. This is because students need many exposures to the information before it can be quickly retrieved.
o Stress created by the spelling tests, can also interfere with retrieval of the words.
5. Try New Strategies: Using mnemonics can be an effective way for students to gain mastery of spelling words based off of the relationship between letters and words.
o Students enjoy creating their own mnemonics to support their spelling abilities.
6. Use Your Instincts: As student’s spelling skills progress, they will develop the ability to use their instincts to approach new words with confidence and accuracy.
7. Have Fun: Use alliteration, orthography, and spoonerisms to address spelling mistakes from students writing.
o Use games to help students think critically about spelling.(Newlands, 2011)Four Research-Based Vocabulary Teaching PracticesResearchers Tanya Christ, and Christine Wang, state that there are four critical teaching practices correlated with spelling and word knowledge.1. Provide purposeful exposure to new words: Teach students new words by using multiple exposures throughout the day.
o Use a mentor text that entails illustrations and text to provide word meaning clues.
o Complete an Interactive Read-Aloud that engages the students
o Incorporate technology into the classroom by using e-books, or Interactive Read-Aloud’s that use new vocabulary.
Researcher Donald Leu, states that technology should be used within the classroom because it enhances motivation and generates excitement.2. Intentionally teach word meanings: Use multiple teaching strategies
o Ask questions during the Interactive Read-Aloud to probe children to think about new words and their meanings.
3. Teach word learning strategies: Using a teacher model, guide, and practice students will be able to learn new words during a read-aloud.
o Use a mentor text that entails illustrations and text to provide word meaning clues.
4. Provide Multi-modal activities: Students embed vocabulary by using it multi-modally.
o Create songs
o Use artwork and hide the vocabulary word in their drawing.
(Christ and Wang, 2011)
*Vocabulary is embedded in the brain through rehearsal in exciting, engaging, and interactive ways.
Question:What does extended instruction look like within the classroom?Helpful Sites:
Citations:
Christ, T., & Wang, C. (2010). Bridging the Vocabulary Gap: What the Research Tells Us about Vocabulary Instruction in Early Childhood. Young Children.
Newlands, M. (2011). Intentional Spelling: Seven Steps to Eliminate Guessing. The Reading Teacher, 531-534. doi:10.1598Williams, C., Phillips-Birdsong, C., Hufnagel, K., Hungler, D., & Lundstrom, R. (2009). Word Study Instruction in the K-2 Classroom. The Reading Teacher, 570-578. doi:10.1598
Extended instruction is critical when teaching students literacy, because it helps them to become engaged in what they are learning, so that they can comprehend it better. According to reading rockets.org, classrooms that use extended literacy have labels around the room so students can connect words with the things they represent, students are able to use calendars, signs, and other classroom tools to expand their knowledge of literacy, and teachers engage in literacy instruction during all subjects of class (reading rockets.org). The purpose of doing this is because students who are struggling with literacy can benefit from extended classroom instruction, as it will help them to grasp a deeper understanding, and provide additional support for them. I believe that with extended instruction, not only are the students who are struggling benefiting, but every child in the classroom is gaining additional information that can only better their learning experience.
ReplyDelete