This document summarizes Miss Roswurm's new approach to individualized spelling instruction for her class. Each student will have their own personalized spelling list of 10 words per week, with 5 words chosen by the student and 5 additional words chosen by the teacher based on their needs. The goal is for students to learn and apply words they will use in their own writing, rather than just memorizing lists. Throughout the week, students will complete various activities to learn the spelling words, and parents can help by suggesting words and reviewing lists at home. Students will be tested on their lists each Friday.

1. Meet the Teacher Night Miss Roswurm’s Class Spelling Instruction 2011-2012

2. A New Way to Spell Spelling instruction has come a long way from memorizing a list of words and taking a test on those words at the end of the week. No more are students going to slide by not being able to spell. Welcome to Individualized Spelling Lists!

3. Individualized Spelling Lists What does this mean? Your child will not have the same set of words as another child. The week’s spelling words are personalized to meet your child’s spelling needs. Your child will be able to select five words he or she wishes to know how to spell. I will select another five words for your child based upon observations made during small group instruction.

4. How will this work? At the beginning of each week, your child will write five words he or she wishes to learn how to spell, how to use, or the meaning of a word in his or her agenda. If your child missed a word from a previous week, it will remain on their spelling list until they achieve mastery. I will add another five words that I find your child struggling with to complete a list of ten words per week for your child.

5. Why so few words? The goal is not for students to memorize lists of words, but rather to care about the words they use. When children select words they wish to know how to spell, it is so they can use them in their writing. Students will actually be able to learn more words and be able to apply them in their work. They also have the opportunity to challenge themselves and take an active role in their learning.

6. Spelling Activities Throughout the week, your child will complete activities to help him or her learn their spelling words. He or she may complete flash cards, identifying the meaning and synonym, creating a sentence, and drawing a representation. He or she may use the words to create a story or paragraph.

7. How you can help at home! When you read with your child, write down words that he or she struggles pronouncing or understanding. We can add these words to their spelling lists. Ask your students to tell you what their spelling words mean or to use them in a sentence. Review with your students using old spelling words and incorporating the new words. Create flash cards with your students.

8. The Weekly Test Every Friday, the students will select a partner. They will exchange papers. They will quiz each other and check each other’s papers. They turn them in when they finish. If the student misses a word, it transfers to next week’s list. Otherwise, the students start thinking about new words to add to their spelling lists for them to spell!