Read, Write, Spell Book

Many approaches to teaching language arts ignore the links between reading and writing and spelling. Wendy Bean and Chrys Bouffler argue that learning to spell is part of the complex process of language learning and that spelling develops as a consequence of reading and writing.

Strategies that isolate spelling with stand-alone activities continue to produce students who leave school seemingly unable to reach the standard of spelling demanded by society. Drawing on recent research, the authors advocate an approach that integrates spelling into children's reading and writing activities, with the emphasis on meaning and effective communication, not on spelling for spelling's sake.

They further suggest that poor spelling is often the result of poor reading and writing practices that don't allow appropriate time for proofreading.

While it is important to understand that all language learning is integrated, and hence that learning to spell is dependent on overall language learning, language programs must be planned and thought through so that very specific demonstrations about spelling can be included when appropriate.

Read, Write, Spell supplies teachers with an abundance of teaching and learning strategies that incorporate spelling within an integrated reading and writing program. They include:

• practical ideas for establishing a supportive classroom environment;
  
• basic principles for creating a spelling program;
  
• activities to sensitize language learners to words in context;
  
• procedures to encourage risk-taking;
  
• strategies and activities for proofreading;
  
• guidelines for assessment and evaluation.