Spelling can be a challenging subject for many students. Perhaps students struggle because many spelling programs rely heavily on visual input. The Day 5 gifts for IEW’s Twelve Days of Christmas Giving help you get started with IEW spelling. Be sure you are registered for the event to receive the email with links to the gifts.
After years of experience in the field of child brain development, Andrew Pudewa has concluded that the most effective way to teach spelling is auditorily.
Today’s first gift is a new video recording of Andrew Pudewa’s talk Spelling and the Brain. In this talk Andrew defines spelling as “the correct retrieval of sequentially stored, virtually random bits of information.” He then goes on to explain why traditional spelling programs are not effective, how the brain learns spelling patterns, and the best way to teach spelling.
The next gift is a sample of IEW’s spelling program, The Phonetic Zoo. This phonics-based program makes teaching spelling practical, effective, and easy. Because it can be used by multiple students, it is cost-effective. There are three levels; a placement test is available to determine which level will best fit your student’s needs. Because it is mastery-based, students learn how to spell the words on their current list before moving on to the next one.
Today’s final resources are two Arts of Language podcast episodes. In “Speaking of Spelling” (Episode 306), Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker discuss the history of The Phonetic Zoo and the importance of an auditory-based spelling program. “Enhancing Thinking through Vocabulary” (Episode 494) touches on why so many unusual words are included in The Phonetic Zoo and the importance of expanding vocabulary.
These gifts will get your students started on the path of becoming competent spellers, making them more confident communicators.
P.S. Don’t forget to use the code for free standard domestic shipping on any online order from December 26–January 6.
