Spelling

[foxy]

My kids are terrible spellers and (probably quite rightly) don't seem to be overly concerned, because they can use spellcheck
Spelling was something we were constantly tested on at school and I remember our primary teacher giving us tips on how to remember how to spell certain words

One that sticks in my mind is the difference between stationary and stationery and the tip is "e" for envelope...which I obviously remember to this day

My educashon was not wasted...I can spell 2 words

[Maria]

Contrary to popular belief spelling continues to be taught in schools (along with Multiplication Tables!)

My son, who is in Primary School, gets a list of spellings to learn every week along with helpful 'rules' such as "i before e, except after c...".
Fortunately, he's a good speller and has no difficulty in learning new words. Not all kids or adults find it that easy for a wide variety of reasons, which I believe I've covered (at some length!) elsewhere on this Forum.

At the Secondary School where I teach each S1 and S2 pupil is tested in Spelling every week. They are allocated a list of words to learn according to their 'spelling age'. The weaker spellers learn 10 words and the average spellers 20, with the more advanced being tested on 30 words every week. The words they learn are a combination of words that are commonly misspelt and vocabulary taken from across the curriculum, in order to reinforce and aid spelling across all subject areas. Spelling mistakes are also identified and corrected in their essay writing.
Marks, though, are not deducted from exam papers because of poor spelling on its own, unless it is so poor the examiner can't understand the response!

[Pal of Porty]

My educashon was not wasted...I can spell 2 words

Is that to, too or two words Foxy?

[foxy]

My educashon was not wasted...I can spell 2 words

Is that to, too or two words Foxy?

I know my 2's actually...well my times table anyway

[Pal of Porty]

I think spelling, punctuation and grammar are very important and thanks to a bunch of " we still know what the little darlings mean" educationalists, we have several generations of illiterates running around our world at large. (Unfortunately this even includes many of todays graduates).

My son, who is at primary school, is 6 months short of his predicted spelling attainment level. Personally, I think this is a fantastic achievement given that he has not once had any spelling homework or corrections to do in his two years at school.

[ecm]

My son, who is at primary school, is 6 months short of his predicted spelling attainment level. Personally, I think this is a fantastic achievement given that he has not once had any spelling homework or corrections to do in his two years at school.

My son, who is in P3, only now has homework assignments that involve spelling, copying of words, constructing sentences and so on. He seems to be doing alright at that.
In conversation however, he says things like "I haven't been teached that yet" and "I knowed that " ?????

[Pal of Porty]

If they are at the same school it must be a teacher thing but if not, I suspect school policy.

[Maria]

My son is now P4 but had spelling homework to learn from P2. He also had to write out his spellings in context, in sentences of his own in P3 ecm. I know ecm's son and my son go to different Primaries PoP and I suspect your son is at a different one still - you live in Joppa don't you?
As you say PoP, a lot will depend on the Reading and Writing schemes used by the school, but early intervention in Primary to raise literacy and numeracy levels is a biggy at the moment. Voice any concerns at Parents' Evenings and ask for an explanation of the schemes being used. Hopefully you will come away reassured. IMHO handwriting and spelling are most likely the top two concerns of parents - along with , "How do I get my child to read more?"

Any Primary teachers out there (willing to raise their head above the parapet ) who can reassure parents that the days of 'real books' are behind us?

[Pal of Porty]

....but early intervention in Primary to raise literacy and numeracy levels is a biggy at the moment.

You are absolutely correct Marya. Following a meeting with the relevant powers that be, we have been absolutely assured that teaching of spelling will shortly become a key priority.

[bellybabe]

He also had to write out his spellings in context, in sentences of his own in P3 ecm.

This is happening downstairs as I type. I hate this homework...the sentences are even supposed to be "interesting". One of the words tonight is "girl". His suggested sentence involves girlfriends...the grown-ups in the house. Bet the teachers dread reading his sentences...

Seriously though, they've had this homework right from the start of P2; I couldn't tell you if it helps or not. He actually reads a lot himself anyway, and I've been reading Lord of the Rings to him, so he comes out with weird sentences like the one the other week - he came into the kitchen, turned to our guests and said "Did you know the Assyrians favoured bows and arrows?"

Favoured? What the...?

[Maria]

[Poppy]

My good pal ECM said

In conversation however, he says things like "I haven't been teached that yet" and "I knowed that " ?????

Like mother, like son!!

[Pal of Porty]

My good pal ECM said

In conversation however, he says things like "I haven't been teached that yet" and "I knowed that " ?????

Like mother, like son!!

As long as he is spelling it correctly!