I have a question about using a spelling curriculum without giving spelling tests.  My son is doing Purposeful Design Spelling Grade Six and he is a very poor speller.  And although we have gone through Alpha-Phonics twice, he is poor at identifying letter sounds.  I really like his spelling curriculum for the fact that it gives him exercises in the many ways to use his list words and other language arts aspects.  I am wondering if I should, at the end of each week, just have him read each word to me and use it in a sentence rather than testing him on the spellings.  Spelling tests seem to do him no good as far as actually learning something; when helping him get ready, I feel like I'm just "teaching him the test" as done in many public schools.  Any suggestions?

Thanks!

Melanie

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Posted by Kayluray

Are you familiar with Charlotte Mason's philosophies? She suggests doing copy work and dictation. Perhaps that is something you could look into. Through my experience and what others have told me, it seems that even when kids get 100% on every spelling test, they still can't spell. Charlotte Mason's method puts the words into context. That is what we do at our house and it works for us.
Hope this helps.
Patti

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Posted by jrwinters

Hi,

Glad to have you as a friend. My 22 year old was a terrible speller. I struggled with him for years. Then he met a girl online that cared about spelling and I found out he was really a great speller when he wanted to be. I am trying a new program that someone gave me with my girls. You start with about five words, all with a sound in common. You build on those words each day. The key is the kids check and correct their own paper. No grades are given. I'll let you know how it works in a year or so.
Have a good day,

Jeannine

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Posted by genevieve1642

Hello There! Thanks for your comment. I appreciate you stopping by! :)

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Posted by jenefork

Hi. I have an 11 year old that is a terrible speller. I've tried just about everything. This year he's using "Learning to Spell through Copywork. It's a Charlotte Mason style and it seems to be helping him. It may seem like it's not doing much but I'm seeing progress already.
Have a good day!

Edited by jenefork on Sep. 5, 2008 at 8:23 AM

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