Spelling

DSA Spelling~

In 3rd grade we use the DSA(Developmental Spelling Analysis) test to help inform us on students spelling level. We test all of the kids in the fall, winter and spring. This test is out of 100 points. We then divided students into spelling groups based on their needs(using the DSA spelling test). This allows us to differentiate for students and focus on their individual needs in spelling. We will begin these spelling groups the week of September 28.

Word Sorts~

Each week students will meet with their spelling teacher and get a list of spelling words. Each week the list focuses on a different spelling stage(ie.- short vowels, long vowels, r-controlled words, etc) Students will work with this list all week.

Day 1- Meet with teacher~Student will meet and discuss words and the categories they should be sorted into. (ie. words that have the long a, long e, long 0, long i and long u)

Day 2- Sort words on your own~ This is based off of previous days discussion

Day 3- Activity with words~Sentences, story, cursive, writing 3 times each, etc

Day 4- Activity with words~ Games or activities that practice their words and other words that fit into category/rule they are studying.

Day 5- Blind Sort~ This is where students quiz on another on their words.

Students should be taking their words home after they have completed the 5 day spelling cycle. These are colored words that are cut apart and in a ziplock baggie. After about 5 week of spelling(5 sorts) students will be tested on all the different word sorts they have learned. We will pull a few words from each week and test them on those. We can then decide if they are ready to move onto the next level, or need to continue on.