"Spelling Smart" Cynthia M Stowe

2002, 415 pgs, Jossey-Bass Publishers, USA.

"Spelling Smart" is a complete spelling program that incorporates best practice research, and importantly, considers the child at the centre. It is specifically for students with spelling difficulties. There is a short section at the beginning outlining the theory, discussing implementation, and diagnostic assessments to use to prepare your students for the program. Most of the book is comprised of the 40 lessons that make up the program.

It is a valuable program that dismisses the old practice of memorisation - that is, having students memorise a list of words, with a weekly test to see how they fared. Stowe points out that this is actually a test of memorisation, not spelling skill, so the learning is not conceptual. The program aims to teach spelling with an understanding of the regular spelling patterns. Students are charged with discovering the different sounds that the English language can make, and at the same time, build their self-confidence as they make real learning progress.

The program focuses on the regular spelling patterns - not the irregularities that are so often talked about, the "spelling demons". Stowe mentions that the regular spelling patterns make up about 85% of words (p18), thus the bulk of the program should be about the regular patterns. The remainder are dealt with through regular use (not memorisation), reading, and noticing through reading or modeling.

Etymology (the study of word origins) is encouraged as both a way to explain the inconsistencies in the English language and nurture a fascination with language that can facilitate further interest in study.

Spelling lessons focus on using words in context, and highlighting spelling patterns through a range of different activities. A number of reproducibles are offered for each unit.

"Spelling Smart" is a sequential, systematic spelling program, that focuses on real learning of spelling patterns, thus leading to better spellers and writers. With students at the centre, this program is a bedrock for students with spelling difficulties, and will boost their confidence as they progress.