Strange Spelling Introduction

Becoming an Independent Speller

Some Questions

· Do you find it frustrating that there are so many spelling rules to learn?

· Is it even more frustrating that many words break the rules?

· What is the big picture for spelling?

· How do you become a thoughtful speller who can independently use the wide range of spelling rules?

· How can we use our knowledge of how the brain works to understand and remember spelling rules?

· If all the spelling rules were broken down into just four big rules, could you work out what you need to do to improve?

Strange Spelling will:

· Encourage the right learning attitude to become a wizard speller

· Cut spelling rules down to just four big rules

· Show how phonics is still important as you get older

· Invite you to add your own ways of explaining spelling rules

· Make learning memorable through amusing reminders

· Use several senses

· Make spelling fun and creative.

What do you need to know already?

You will often be asked to answer questions that you may not know the answer to. Don’t panic! Remember: Your brain likes to solve puzzles. Having tried to answer them, you will find the answers easier to understand and remember.

How has it helped?

Some of these lessons were first taught to Y6 in September 2011. Following the lessons, a 50 word spelling test showed an average spelling age progress of 1.1 years in 0.5 years. Previous classes with the same teacher showed spelling age progress of 0.9, 0.7 and 0.5. Woohoo!

Let’s make some magic!

Introduction Overview