Adapted Spelling List

V. Methodology
8:30 a.m.

Spelling has been a big hangup for some of my students. Usually each week we have a test over 15 spelling words, which is modified from the original 20. All week long we do spelling sorts, ABC spelling words, rainbow words, soccer spelling, worksheets, shaving cream spelling, etc. Despite all of the practice a couple of my students were stills struggling. This week I modified their list to 10 words. We did all the activities with the smaller list. Thursday we take a pre-test. This was the first week where this was important. I made the regular Friday spelling test over only the words the students missed on Friday. Today was our spelling test and my students still failed it. Next week we won't have a spelling list because of our shortened week. I will be anxious to see in coming weeks how my students do. I will maybe even have to shorten it a bit more. I would like to see something higher than a “F” for a grade.

Initially I was disappointed that my students failed. But, I was reminded of my own childhood. I myself have always struggled with spelling. Today I am grateful for spell check and online dictionaries. I guess some of my students will never be wonderful spellers. I am not sure if rote spelling lists are the way to go to best meet the needs of my students. When I have my own classroom I think I will try to use words more in conext, and not just use the basil. Until then, I will follow the style of my classroom and will do varoius activities to try and reinforce the weekly spelling list.