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| Question: |
My daughter just completed 1st grade. Because she was at an advanced reading level, we used Level A materials this year for Grammar and Spelling, while keeping the rest of the subjects at first grade level. She did fine in grammar, and breezed through the first half of the speller. However, the second half of the spelling book was more of a challenge, and by the end, she was missing 5 or 6 spelling words each week. I'm thinking of using Level B for Grammar next year, but having her repeat the speller. Do you think this would be helpful, or that she would be too bored with the repetition? She is reading at a 4th or 5th grade reading level, so I was a little surprised that she started struggling with the spelling. I see in reading through some of the other questions you have received, that spelling lagging behind reading ability is normal. Thank you for any suggestions! |
| Answer: |
Dear Parent,
Thank you for your question!
I am assuming that your daughter did not complete My Very First Catholic Speller, as recommended in the 1st grade lesson plans. It is very true that spelling usually falls behind the reading level. I usually never recommend that parents skip an entire grade in any subject, but rather proceed in an accelerated rate. It is so important that a strong foundation be laid, and that all the bricks are placed when building the child's 'house' of knowledge.
If your daughter is having difficulty with the speller, missing well over half the spelling list, you definitely need to start at the beginning of Level A, and go through it again. I would recommend going back to the lessons where she is most comfortable, where she is spelling with almost 100% accuracy. It is unfortunate that she has to repeat, but she will only become more frustrated in Level B.
Spelling is a subject that must be taught and reviewed several times a week, daily if possible. There are various fun spelling games that you can do with her to help alleviate the boredom. For instance you can buy felt letters or magnetic letters at most stores. You can say the word, and have her spell it out using the letters. I would highly recommend spelling exercises that use hands-on materials and visual displays. The more that she is actively involved in her learning, the longer she will remember what she is learning.
God bless you and your family!
Laura Nicholson
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