Spelling for Life ― Uncovering the Simplicity and Science of Spelling

There is a common misconception in educational circles that spelling and mathematics are opposites. A familiar cry of the struggling speller, "I can’t spell because I have a maths brain."

Actually spelling is mathematical. Spelling is the manipulation of symbols according to agreed-upon patterns that produce predictable results.

Spelling errors also fall into sets of predictable patterns.

Success in spelling is not a product of intelligence. Many people struggle to spell due to coping strategies developed in place of explicit instruction.

Often students who can read and express themselves competently nevertheless find spelling difficult.

False assumptions about spelling, such as believing the English language is complex and/or irregular, damage confidence and lead to reluctance to even attempt to spell correctly.

In Spelling For Life, teachers and students

• learn what the common spelling coping strategies are
• gain insights into undoing poor spelling habits
• work together to notice patterns not only in regular spelling, but also in words which on the surface seem to break the spelling rules
• practise successful spelling strategies, progressing from simple to complex words rapidly and with confidence.

Aided by scripts, progressive assessments, unique tools and extensive practice lists, this highly acclaimed overview of spelling succeeds in developing critical thinking and confidence when reading and spelling. It can be used in conjunction with any established phonics program.

Lyn Stone is a linguist and literacy and language specialist in Victoria, Australia