As I mentioned in another thread, we have 12 second grade teachers arguing about how to best teach spelling. Some want to do what is right/best for the students, some want to do what is easiest for the teachers, while some don't care what we do!!! So, any input, advice, or suggestions would be appreciated! We are meeting Tuesday to make a final decision, so I would appreciate input so I can make sure I am looking at this with an open mind. Thanks!!
Doing what is easiest for teachers sounds like you are not putting the needs of the students first. I have my students say the sounds in the words and write the sounds they hear. They can do it quietly. As we practice and learn words we write lines, 1 line for each sound. It helps them to hear the sounds and to spell the word.
Just to clarify, I am not in the what is easiest for the teacher camp. I have done Words Their Way for 5 years. I usually run 4-6 spelling groups which is not easy.
We do not have a set reading program we use. I am sure that is going to be coming soon since we all have to be on the same page at the same time. I use direct instruction, mini lessons, and modeling with the whole class. Then we break into a modified Daily three. One group does guided reading with me while the others do word work, read to self, read to a partner, or a computer program. Of course, this all varies depending on how much special ed. help I have during the day.
I start off with blending and segmenting the words (all orally)...and then move into sound-letter spelling associations, looking for patterns, etc. Kids do a variety of spelling activities during the week to reinforce the spelling pattern.
Oops, I didn't specifically mean you Loveslabs. So many teachers, I'm thinking of a few that I know, want to take the easy way out and not necessarily do what's best for the kids. I know it's not easy! 4-6 spelling lists? How awesome. I usually try to keep it at 3, maybe 4 if I have someone really low.
Happy to hear you TEACH spelling, not just assign whether it be spelling at different levels or everyone with the same list. Since your current reading program doesn't incorporate teaching spelling, I think WYW is a great option. Students need to understand patterns in words, not just memorize them. Now, will the "easy way out" teachers teach spelling or just assign it via groups to give the appearance of going along with the program? What you might find if WYW is selected is that those "easy way out" teachers will find it a lot more work to have different groups with no real progress if they don't buy into really teaching the spelling program. I also found that WYW works best when it is a school wide program across multiple grades.
I think when spelling words are based on spelling patterns (and if those words are also found in the weekly reading) that is the best approach.
I do WTW...Its student centered and targeted to their learning levels:thumb: What's best for students isn't always easy. It is, however, manageable and becomes easier once kids get the routine down.
Out of curiosity, do they really characterize it this way? I can't imagine that being a very winning argument.