Spel-Lang Tree
The Spel-Lang Tree: A Word Study Program
developed by
Grace Vyduna-Haskins, Ed.D.
The Spel-Lang Tree takes its name from Spelling and Language. It is the result of the author's many years of instructing primary classrooms and her careful monitoring of the positive results of changes in word study instruction (See data). The multi-sensory methods used here have since been verified through scientific cognitive (brain) research.
A step by step guide to applying the principles of the Spel-Lang Tree and a place for comments!
The Spel-Lang Tree: Seeds is intended for kindergarten use or as a resource book for first grade teachers. It offers basic information about sounds and how they are produced and contains activities that are helpful for reinforcing sound/symbol relationships. A suggested sequence for instruction is provided. Read more here.
The Spel-Lang Tree: Roots is an innovative developmental, very carefully sequenced word study program designed for first grade students or for children who have not yet mastered sound/symbol relationships. It integrates the teaching of handwriting, phonics in context, spelling, sentence structure and grammar. Each basic lesson can be completed in about twenty minutes. Supplementary activities may be used at the teacher's discretion. Read more here.
The Spel-Lang Tree: Trunks is the third level of the program. Lessons in this manual build on knowledge gained from Roots. It places greater responsibility on the child to develop an expanded spelling and reading vocabulary. Traditional sight words are included along with more advanced language patterns word families, affixes, and the study of syllables. The child also learns to use pronouns, prepositions, and contractions in the writing process. In addition, the child learns Ghastly Ghostly words (a limited number of words containing gh patterns) via word hunts and categorizing patterns and sounds. While designed for second or third grade use, Trunks is also appropriate for (and has been used by teachers of) remedial groups at any grade level. Read more here.
Supplementary Materials: Supplementary materials are available to help you implement the program. These include Sound/Symbol Cards and Wall Charts recommended in Roots, and Multi-Sensory Cards which will help children learn appropriate letter forms which lead to neat printing. Other products include ABC Projects, Contraction Strips, Word Games, Phoneme Grapheme Cards, and Creative Coloring Concepts.
All of the materials on this site have been made available for free by the author.
Permission is granted to print copies for personal or school use.
Printing for resale violates copyright laws.