What does research indicate quality spelling instruction should look like?
In teaching spelling our purpose is to teach students strategies for transferring their knowledge to authentic writing situations. We should teach students strategies for writing words independently with fluency. Teaching children to use strategies during independent spelling is critical to spelling instruction. Spelling strategies are practical tools for helping children move toward independence in spelling. As children, internalize spelling strategies, they will become more competent spellers and independent writers. Some examples of strong strategy instruction are breaking the word into syllables, showing meaningful relationships in words, providing visual techniques, looking at rime patterns, and exposure to common spelling rules.
