Learning to spell is vital for clear and effective written communication. However, spelling and writing are usually taught as separate subjects. Spelling instruction often consists of giving students a list of words to memorize. Activities throughout the week help students memorize the words, followed by a test on Friday to check retention.

Spelling for Writing takes a different approach. Their workbooks do not give lists of words that children are required to memorize for a test. Instead, their word lists are intended to provide examples of important spelling patterns and rules. Their goal is that while working through the words, students will learn the spelling patterns and rules and be able to apply them to similar words.

The Spelling for Writing workbooks each have thirty weekly lessons. Each lesson provides several exercises to help students learn that week’s spelling concept. Each week includes a writing assignment so students can immediately apply the spelling rules they are learning. Beginning in Level 3, the workbooks also teach grammar and punctuation rules and parts of speech. Additionally, the upper levels provide instruction in writing different types of paragraphs, friendly letters, business letters, and more.

Because the workbooks connect spelling to learning to write well, the lessons are more relevant for many students. Also, applying the spelling concepts immediately to their writing helps students remember the rules for future use. With programs that rely strictly on memorizing word lists, students often forget the words soon after test day.

Where to Find the Spelling for Writing Workbooks

Fortunately, all the workbooks in this series are available in the Education Resources Information Center (ERIC) database. Simply use the links below to view each book’s page on the ERIC website. Then, click “download full text.”

Spelling for Writing Level 1

The Level 1 workbook helps children discover and practice basic spelling patterns, including short vowels, consonants, and consonant clusters. The book also covers number words, color words, and other frequently used words. Additionally, each lesson provides manuscript writing practice and concludes with an assignment to write a story using words from that week’s lesson. The workbook is designed to be used with the Level 1 Guidebook for Parents and Teachers.

Spelling for Writing Level 2

The Level 2 lessons help students learn and practice spelling patterns and rules, including short and long vowels, consonants, and consonant clusters. The book also covers frequently misspelled words, family words, compound words, and plural nouns. Additionally, each lesson provides manuscript writing practice and ends with an assignment to write a story using words from that week’s lesson. The workbook is intended to be used with the Level 2 Guidebook for Parents and Teachers.

Spelling for Writing Level 3

The Level 3 workbook helps children learn and practice spelling patterns and rules, including short and long vowels, consonants, and consonant blends. The book also teaches syllables, homophones, dictionary skills, suffixes, content area words, and frequently misspelled words. Additionally, the workbook includes instruction in punctuation, grammar, and paragraph writing. Each lesson includes a writing assignment so students can practice the concepts they have learned. The workbook is designed to be used with the Level 3 Guidebook for Parents and Teachers.

Spelling for Writing Level 4

Level 4 places an increased emphasis on learning to spell as part of a broader goal of learning to write well. The lessons help children learn common spelling patterns, graduate to more complex words, and become confident, independent spellers and writers. In addition to teaching spelling rules, the workbook includes vocabulary development, word study, and instruction in grammar and writing. The writing assignments include writing paragraphs, letters, instructions, and more. There is no parent guide for Level 4.

Spelling for Writing Level 5

Level 5’s layout is similar to that of Level 4. Instruction in spelling patterns, vocabulary development, grammar, and writing continue to increase in complexity. The paragraph writing assignments provide opportunities for students to practice spelling, writing, and grammar concepts as they are introduced. There are also several lessons related to editing and correcting mistakes. There is no parent guide for Level 5.

Spelling for Writing: Instructional Strategies

This book, which describes how to develop effective spellers, may be helpful to parents using the Spelling for Writing series or other programs. It covers the importance of spelling, how children learn to spell, teaching methods, evaluating spelling programs, and more.

 

 

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