Intentional Spelling: Seven Steps to Eliminate Guessing

Abstract

Making spelling instruction effective, fun, practical, and meaningful is a challenge faced by many teachers. Spelling is traditionally taught with prepackaged word lists using a test‐practice‐test method, which results in little transfer to independent word use. Because spelling is an important component and gauge of literacy skills, students need to acquire strategies that allow them to become effective lifelong spellers. The seven steps provide an approach to spelling instruction that encourages word study based on the words students experience in their daily writing activities. The goal of intentional spelling is to shift spelling instruction from a focus on the number of words spelled correctly to developing an understanding of how words work.