| Question: |
This past year I used [a structured, pre-packaged program]. It is a very difficult program. My son that is almost 9 years old just repeated the second grade with me after I pulled him from a small school taught by a lady from our church. He has never been in a public school system. I put him back in the first grade then and went through the summer learning to read and other things quite well but spelling is another story. He seemed to be getting 100% when he took the test the first time, but when it came to review he couldn't get a lot of them. He is not able to retain his spelling. He was in the second grade this past year except spelling he did the first grade level. He failed his spelling final this week and I hate to advance him if he isn't ready. What should I do? I do not spell well either. I have taken many classes on it , even in college and just can't spell. I can relate to his troubles but don't know how to help him. This next year we are going to use a combination of CHC and [structured, pre-packaged curriculum] (reason for this is we are traditional Catholics that go to the Latin Mass, but I like the updates on a lot of your material and it looks like more fun to excite their minds). My thinking was that this summer I should repeat the first grade spelling course, but maybe use CHC's instead and see if I can get him ready for second grade spelling. He will be in the third grade for everything else. Let me know if this will be a good idea. Thank you for reading and helping me. |
| Answer: |
Dear Parent,
Thank you for your question!
I would definitely recommend starting with My Very First Catholic Speller. The book is light, and does not require too many worksheets. Boys tend to be a step behind girls in language skills. If he is having difficulty, this is very normal.
First, I would start with words that he can spell with ease. This will help him gain confidence, as he starts. I can imagine that he's very frustrated at this point. Therefore, if the words are easy for him, this will help him realize, "I can spell!" Gradually, you can add more difficult words to the list. You probably have many ideas, but here are some more ideas to help with his spelling, and you don't necessarily have to use a book.
I liked to have a word-for-the-day when I was teaching. In the morning, on the board, I would write a word for the day. In their journals, the students would write down the word, definition, and use it in a sentence. Sometimes we went over the word in a whole group and we would make silly sentences with the word. Saying the word aloud, using it in a sentence, and writing it out helped all the students with varying needs and abilities.
To help learn the spelling words for the week, I used varying ideas. Simple felt, magnetic or rubber letters are useful when the students are practicing their words, and usually students enjoy manipulating the letters. You can use a chalkboard, felt board, dry erase board, or even the floor to help the students practice their words. One thing about spelling is that children need constant practice and they need to see the word as a whole, and in parts at the same time. This way he can associate the parts with the whole. The more that your son practices his words, the longer he will retain what he has learned. In the car, you and he can recite his words. You could put them to song, if he likes music. When he is reading a book, you and he can search for any words that are on his spelling list.
The important thing to remember is that the more that he practices the words, the longer he will remember.
Good luck and God bless you and your family!
Laura Nicholson
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