Reading 101
Spelling
Many people think spelling comes naturally to some and not to others. Actually, good spellers aren't born, they're taught. Nearly 90 percent of English words can be spelled if you know the basic patterns, principles, and rules of spelling.
Watch a short video clip that shows Tina Scholtes teaching first graders a handy spelling pattern that helps them recognize word clusters.
Students can use these rules as an aid to spelling unknown words. If a child can spell a word, he or she can usually read the word. Good spellers end up as better readers and writers.
Related articles
By: Louisa Moats (2006)
Many young readers are puzzled by the rules and exceptions of spelling. Research has shown, however, that learning to spell and learning to read rely on much of the same underlying knowledge. Read this article to learn more about the relationships between letters and sounds and how a proper understanding of spelling mechanics can lead to improved reading.
By: Reading Rockets (2004)
These three short video clips give you the chance to watch and learn effective techniques for teaching spelling. The video clips are from Reading Rockets' PBS television series Launching Young Readers.
By: Diane Henry Leipzig (2000)
"Word study" is an alternative to traditional spelling instruction. It is based on learning word patterns rather than memorizing unconnected words. This article describes the word study approach.







