How To Teach Spelling: Making It Meaningful

Here is how to teach spelling correctly, with meaningful results.

You can improve spelling in your students writing, and provide strategies for difficult spelling words (real strategies, not invented spelling).


Having an intimate knowledge of how words work and being able to apply strategies is critical for deciphering difficult spelling words.

Applying the also enables students to become powerful readers and function as part of a literate society.

Teachers must understand how students actually are learning word structure and how to improve spelling.

I have taught spelling lessons every way you can imagine, from a basal text to purchased programs to creating my own. The best two books on how to teach spelling are "Word Journeys" and "Words Their Way."

1. Our brains work best with sequential patterns, hence spelling should be taught as patterns.
2. Understanding of roots, suffixes and prefixes enhance spelling of bigger words and comprehension of texts.
3. Breaking words into the syllable level and into morphemes creates accessible "word bits."
4. Direct teaching of odd words (only 5% of English) is necessary.
5. I cannot depend on parents/guardians to practice enough with their children, therefore I must provide it.

This is absolutely essential for how to teach spelling. You cannot just give the same list to all children. You must meet their needs at their level, just like you should with reading (Just Right Books). I generally find that students will fall into three general categories, and that provides me a foundation for creating their lists from the Words Their Way books.

To assess the students, I use Word Journeys. These short, easy to administer screening tests will provide you with a lot of insight into how your students are spelling and at what level: Emergent, Letter Name, Within Words, Syllable Juncture or Derivational Constancy. There are many subcategories within each of these, and the book includes appropriate methods for how to teach spelling within each category.

Once students are assessed and placed (with the understanding that I may change them as I watch their actual performance), I can begin to implement meaningful and effective spelling instruction.

Click here to view a Comparison Chart of different levels in Word Journeys and Words Their Way to other spelling texts to guide you in how to teach spelling.

Spelling Lessons for No Excuse Words

No Excuse Words are high-frequency words. I use the Dolch Lists, but also will integrate Fry Words.

These are the words that go on my Word Wall and the students are responsible for spelling them correctly every single time they use them. No excuses or invented spelling.

Read the free PDF booklet Dolch Activites by Mrs. Perkins for more ideas for practicing No Excuse Words.

Click here for a story using all the Dolch Words.

Ready for Spelling Lessons that Work? Click here!

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