1. An approach that focuses on learning to spell…forever …not just for this week’s spelling list! Sitton Spelling
2. Each grade has a list of Core Words. These are the words that are tested and targeted for mastery in each grade. These are high-frequency words and are introduced in frequency-of-use order. These words are tested in context using a Cloze Story Word Test and Sentence Dictation Test. Students do not pre-study the words for these tests. The words they miss become their Spelling Words. Core Words
3. The Core Words in the Rebecca Sitton program are divided by grade levels. They are the seeds from which this spelling program grows and develops. They provide a foundation for each grade level to begin spelling exploration and are a springboard for the study of hundreds of additional words. Grade 1 word frequencies 1-30 Grade 2 word frequencies 31-130 Grade 3 word frequencies 131-265 Grade 4 word frequencies 266-400 Grade 5 word frequencies 401-600 and beyond More About Core Words
4. Each grade level has a list of Priority Words that students MUST spell correctly in all their written work. This list is shorter than the list of Core Words. For example, in 5th Grade there are approximately 680 Core Words and 103 Priority Words. Students are taught HOW to proofread and are responsible to proofread all of their Priority Words. (Teachers may introduce the Priority Words a bit at a time.) Teachers will randomly sample student writing in any class to check for correct spelling of Priority Words. Priority Words
5. Please help your child to spell these words correctly in their everyday writing. Not all classes or all children will have the same number of priority words at any given time. Spelling is both a developmental and highly individualized skill so teachers attempt to meet the needs of their classes within the framework of the program. Grade 1 words 1-21 Grade 2 words 1-36 Grade 3 words 1-60 Grade 4 words 1-100 Grade 5 words 1-150 and beyond More About Priority Words
6. Focuses on how all words work. Students expand their knowledge of words for writing, spelling, reading, speaking, and thinking. Students learn concepts of spelling. Students build visual skills—prerequisites for good spelling and proofreading. Students build language skills. Students build proofreading skills. Build Skills and Word Experiences
7. Assessment can have four (or more) parts. Cloze Story Word Test in which the teacher reads a story and students fill in the blanks with the correct words. For example, the teacher might read: The man walked toward the door. The student’s paper would look like this: The ____ walked toward the door. The Skill Test which assesses the student’s application of the concepts taught during the unit. The Proofreading Test which assesses the student’s application of proofreading skills. The Sentence Dictation Test which assesses listening ability and ability to spell, punctuate, and capitalize in context. Assessment
8. But it’s worth it! Sitton Spelling is not a fad, but a research-based spelling program that shows great results in day-to-day spelling. Change Takes Time!
