Spelling

     Spelling. What does that one word call to mind? Many of us think of spelling drills, spelling bees, writing each word five times, making a sentence with the word, or writing a paragraph with the word. Maybe you remember a spelling book with practice pages, a practice test on Wednesday and a final test on Friday.   

     In the years since many of us were in a classroom, researchers have begun to understand that spelling is an extension of a child's overall language development. The focus of spelling instruction has shifted to developing competent writers. Spelling is an integral part of being a competent writer.

     The only way possible for anyone to accurately write the thousands of words they know is through extensive reading. It would be impossible to learn each and every word through a one-word-at-a-time approach.

     The spelling program used in the Hudson City Schools is a research-based method emphasizing skills and concepts. The goal of the program is to have students become competent spellers as shown through their writing.

     The following spelling links might be helpful to parents and fun for students.

http://208.183.128.8/basic/la-spell.html

http://www.funbrain.com/spellroo

http://www.edhelper.com/spelling.htm

http://gardenofpraise.com/spell1.htm

http://www.spelling.hemscott.net