Spelling      

Click here for further explanation of the spelling 1-A-Days.

We use an individualized spelling program at Thomas Holtzman Elementary.  The Spelling schedule will run Day 1-Day 6.  The units do not go in the order presented in the book, but rather follow our reading program.  Students will then build their own list of words to study from missed pretest words, other pattern or strategy words listed in our textbook, words from reading vocabulary, as well as words that they need to learn to spell from other sources, such as their writing.

During the spelling cycle, students will be asked to practice their words at home. See above for information on 1-A-Days.  A note from home signed by a parent will verify their practice time for one of three homework assignments.  Sometimes a written lesson from the book or a worksheet will be assigned and will take the place of the study note.

One night each cycle students will be asked to write sentences for each of their words.  The sentences will be reviewed for correct spelling, correct usage of the given word, neatness, and punctuation.  The sentences should show understanding of the meaning of the word.  These sentences will be used for peer testing.  If the child does not have his/her sentences at the time of the test, he/she will not be able to take the test until sentences are written.  Likewise, if the child does not make corrections to the sentence papers, the test will be postponed until corrections are made.

On Day 6, students should bring their spelling notebook home because it contains their individualized list of words. A student without his/her spelling notebook on the day of the test, will not be able to take the test. 

Click here for further explanation of the spelling 1-A-Days.

"I feel bad for the man who can't spell a word more than one way."  Mark Twain

An Important Note About Spelling Tests:  Unlike Mark Twain, who made the above quote,  our students will have to learn the correct way to spell the words in his/ her list. Because each student has a different set of words, spelling tests are given by peers.  Students must have their spelling notebook and a set of spelling sentences to give to their spelling partner.  The partner will read the word and give the sentence that the student wrote using that word. Tests will be postponed until the student has all necessary materials prepared. 

When taking the test, if the student makes a mistake, he/she must erase the entire word before rewriting it. A word with letters squeezed in, or spaces left between letters after an erasure, will be marked wrong.  

© 2002 Nikki Byer