Spelling Words (First Week of School) & Info About Spelling

 Hi parents,

Here are the spelling words we're working on this week. I've also included the annual blurb explaining how spelling works in my classroom.

Spelling List A (Aug 31 – Sep 4)

a	I	and	the	not
in	my	for	come	see

 

Spelling List B (Aug 31 – Sep 4)

out	want	must	saw	please
well	there	again	does	use

 

Spelling List C (Aug 31 – Sep 4)

about	light	been	took	walked
which	could	don’t	found	pulled

And here is the needlessly long explanation about spelling practice and spelling quizzes in Room 3. If your child was in my class last year you probably already know all this! 

My approach to spelling is meant to help students learn common patterns that will allow them to accurately spell familiar and unfamiliar words when writing, as well as those high-frequency 'need to know' words that may not follow common patterns. 

They will also develop their ability to work towards learning goals through regular practice and study, as well as some basic test-taking skills in a low-pressure, low-stakes environment.

 

Students will have the opportunity to choose ONE spelling list to focus on each week. In the classroom, we have talked about how to effectively choose a list that is a 'good challenge' - not so easy that it won't teach you any new spelling concepts, but also not so difficult that it's overwhelming.  

 

Most weeks, the spelling lists will focus on specific letter sounds, blends, or patterns, as they appear in words of different complexities. For example, the practice words last week were all intended to review short-vowel sounds, though the words on List A were simpler than those on List C. This approach lets me teach the whole class the same spelling concept, but give the students an opportunity to apply that concept at a level that works best for them.

The main goal of spelling practice is not to memorize words, but to learn a wide range of common spelling patterns, which will then allow students to attempt to spell unfamiliar words more accurately. For example, a student who learns to spell 'hot' and 'rob', would hopefully be able to spell the unfamiliar word 'rot' as well, even though that specific word was not on their spelling list. 

There will however be some weeks where we just focus in on high-frequency sight words (the, said, they, where, and, etc.), that you just need to know how to spell. There will not be a specific letter blend or vowel combination that these words share. We will address those early in the year. 

This year, I'm hoping to also use spelling lists as a means to introduce and intentionally practice new vocabulary words! I went to some interesting PD sessions on this and I'm excited to try it out.

  

At the end of each week, we will have a Spelling Quiz. These quizzes are meant to be low-pressure opportunities for students to showcase their learning, and experience what it is like to study for and take a test.  I do not use the marks in my report card grades! However, seeing how students perform helps me to teach better. If many students perform badly on a spelling quiz, it tells me that we need to spend more time on that concept. If an individual student has a tough time with a quiz, we might review that concept a bit more one-on-one.

Practicing for quizzes at home is completely optional. We will practice throughout the week in class. However, if you want to also practice at home, that can be a great way to boost your child's confidence and reinforce their learning. It's totally up to you. I will post the words each week on Friday.

Please let me know if you have any questions!

            Zac     

Monday, August 31 (First Day of School!)

 Hi parents,

Thank you for visiting the classroom blog! I will try to update it every day after school to give parents a summary of the day, as well as upcoming school events, forms, field trips, etc. Please do not feel obligated to read it every day, just know its here if you ever have questions about what we're doing in class. Having conversations about your child's day at school is actually a great way to help them consolidate new learning.

We had a fantastic first day back at school. I was really struck by how polite, respectful, and positive the students were. I think its going to be a great year.

Today wasn't the most exciting day ever - the first few days rarely are - because we spent a lot of time talking about classroom / school expectations, and re-establishing familiar routines. I felt bad for the Grade 4's who had to hear all this for the second time but I know its really helpful when the whole class is on the same page.

The students learned how we'll start each day, with work period and morning math. We worked on 'cubby labels' for art, so that tomorrow everyone will be able to have a dedicated cubby in which to store their personal school supplies, library books, etc. In writing, the students had the choice to either write about their summer breaks, or to write about something they didn't do this summer, but would've liked to do. 

In the afternoon we had some mindfulness time, and talked a bit about the value of mindfulness. Then we did some Quiet Reading. 

Finally, I introduced the class to 'spelling practice', which is another weekly routine we'll do throughout the year that will help students develop their spelling skills and expand their vocabularies. I will also post this week's spelling words on the Blog if anyone wants to practice at home. I know they're easy this week. I promise they will get harder. I want everyone to feel confident this first week, which is all about building new routines and reviewing familiar words.

We ended our day by reading a story from "Sideways Stories from Wayside School". Its something of a first day tradition. 

Have a nice night,

Zac