Spelling and Word Study

Learn more about the English spelling system, how spelling supports reading, why children with dyslexia and dysgraphia struggle, which words should be taught, and word study instruction that works.

Refresh your spelling and word study instruction! Try the Spelling module in our free, self-paced online course, Reading 101: A Guide to Teaching Reading and Writing.

 

Featured Video: Spelling and Word Study

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Our PBS Series:
Launching Young Readers

Vivica Fox
Writing and Spelling

Learn more about spelling patterns, invented spelling, and how writing, spelling, and reading reinforce each other.

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The Basics

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How Spelling Supports Reading
Historical Layers of English
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Spelling and Dyslexia
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For Parents

Developing Writing and Spelling at Home
Developing Writing and Spelling at Home
Developing Writing and Spelling at Home (Pre-K)
Developing Writing and Spelling at Home (Pre-K)
Writing and Spelling Ideas to Use with Kids
Writing and Spelling Ideas to Use with Kids
Reading Tips for Parents of Second Graders
Reading Tips for Parents of Third Graders
The Vocabulary of Science
The Vocabulary of Science
Use Words to Teach Words
Use Words to Teach Words
Playing with Words: Riddles
Playing with Words: Riddles
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For Teachers

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Why Phonological Awareness Is Important for Reading and Spelling
Teacher and student learning high-frequency words
A New Model for Teaching High-Frequency Words
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Intentional Spelling: Seven Steps to Eliminate Guessing
Choose Your Words (and Techniques) Carefully in Spelling Instruction
The Basic Spelling Vocabulary List
Five Guidelines for Learning Spelling and Six Ways for Practicing Spelling
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Spelling and Students with Learning Disabilities
Scrabble letters that say "spelling"
Spelling: Instructional Guidelines
Scrabble set of letters that say "spelling"
Invented Spelling and Spelling Development
Word Study: Learning Word Patterns
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Professional Development Webcasts

Listen, watch, and learn from top experts in these engaging roundtable discussions. Each webcast features a 60–minute video as well as recommended readings and suggested discussion questions.

Teaching Writing
Make Reading Count
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Research & Reports

The Relations of Morphological Awareness with Language and Literacy Skills Vary Depending on Orthographic Depth and Nature of Morphological Awareness
The Role of Set for Variability in Irregular Word Reading: Word and Child Predictors in Typically Developing Readers and Students At-Risk for Reading Disabilities
Modeling Complex Word Reading: Examining Influences at the Level of the Word and Child on Mono- and Polymorphemic Word Reading
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Additional Resources We Recommend

Teaching Reading Is Rocket Science, 2020: What Expert Teachers of Reading Should Know and Be Able to Do
Louisa Moats (American Federation of Teachers)
"So please, oh PLEASE, we beg, we pray, go throw your TV set away. And in its place you can install, a lovely bookshelf on the wall." — Roald Dahl