Spelling Instruction

Did you know that spelling accurately and automatically supports reading? The ability to spell proficiently is a complex task with several components working together to achieve automaticity. Spelling instruction needs to include phonological, orthographic, and morphological components to be successful. Explicit instruction in phonological awareness skills such as blending, unblending, and manipulating spoken sounds in words is an important foundation to spelling. Next, students need direct instruction in letter-sound relationships including consonants, vowels, letter clusters, and syllable types. Then, instruction needs to include meaningful components of language such as affixes, Latin and Greek roots, and spelling rules.