Spelling
A child’s spelling ability predicts later reading abilities. Why Children with Dyslexia Struggle With Writing and How to Help Them: by Michael Herbert, Devin M. Kearns, Joanne Baker Hayes, Pamela Bazis, and Samantha Cooper
Spelling is still a crucial skill necessary for literacy development even in the 21st century. Reading science shows a strong connection between spelling and reading ability. Both skills draw on the same underlying brain processes. If a student can spell a word, they can most likely read it. Being able to read a word, however, does not guarantee correct spelling. Sessions range from 45-60 minutes and also include a focus on writing.
Stephen works on spelling with students in a multisensory way.
- Spelling is taught systematically (logically) using a dictation process.
- Students are taught correct sound-symbol correspondences (the sound(s) each letter or combination of letters makes) prior to spelling new words.
- As students commit more and more patterns to memory, words gradually increase in difficulty.
- Students use multiple tools including a sound tray to prepare them to spell words.
- A personal spelling journal is built over time.
