[mabbott]

I have taught 4th grade for many years now am trying to revamp my Spelling program. The list on Friday and test the next Friday is not working for my students anymore. They memorize it for the test but can't use it in their writing or daily work. Has anyone every worked with the concept of students choosing their own words for a list each week? I have heard this for someone, but I do not know how it works, I think this is Nancy (someone) famous gorue that does this in a workshop can someone give me the play by play on this or something different that you have actually seen work wonderfully.

[Roxi]

I think the key is to have them practice.

Have you read this thread that discussed individual lists?

http://www.proteacher.net/discussion...ad.php?t=91710

This is going to sound offensive to some, and I am soooo sorry!! If I am missing the point, please explain to me (nicely ) what I have missed!

I think a lot of the spelling contracts and centers miss the point. For example-I don't have mine type on the computer a few times b/c I don't want them copying & pasting. I do not have students cut letters out of magazines to spell words. I really want students practicing how to spell the words.

Along with the practice work, we spend time daily reviewing spelling patterns, sorting the words, etc.

[Emily4th]

I don't think your post was offensive at all. It got me thinking, actually. I do the contract and do have some of those type of items on it. My reasoning is because of multiple intelligences. The cutting the letters out of a magazine is kinestetic as well as visual. I do not have my kids do 3 times each on a computer, but they do have the option of typing their words, and then formatting them each differently. This is also a visual learning one.

For me the contract is just a way to ensure that they are doing something with their words at home as well as at school.

I am with you....patterns and word sorts, air writing, Look-say-cover-write, those are the activities we do in class to practice spelling.

[Roxi]

I knew someone would explain it to me!! You are right. I had not even thought of multiple intel. I need to look at my contract. Thanks for the help!!

[Emily4th]

This is the spelling page on my website. If you scroll down to the bottom of the page, it has my contract, word lists, and other forms that can be downloaded.

http://johnston.k12.nc.us/education/...738#pitem18630

Emily

[Apache42]

I think Nancy Atwell is the guru you're thinking about. The way I understand and use her concept works pretty well.

In a writer's workshop format, I spend a lot of time each week conferencing with students. As students prepare for their scheduled conference, they analyze their writing and list 5-10 words they are having trouble spelling or words they want to learn. (For example, they ALL want to use the word awesome, but rarely remember to include the first "e".) A peer who has conferenced with them, and who has caught some of their spelling errors also adds words to the list. We discuss the list, and I may add some of my own to it as well.

As far as studying for their weekly test, I generally have them do the regular assignments: write the words 3 times each, use the word in a sentence. (I dictate what position in the sentence it must be, or what type of sentence they must write.) Write sentences that contain at least two of the spelling words in each sentence (with the stipulation the sentence cannot be of the type, "My teacher said I have to learn to spell _________ and _________.")

Because I conference with different groups on different days, not everyone tests spelling on Friday but on their next conference date the next week. Another testing option I've used is to have a peer dictate their words for them.

[mabbott]

Thank you for your response, I am going to do some more research on this. You were very helpful, unlike the others above. I do not do a spelling contract b/c that is NOT teaching them spelling. I just wanted them to have ownership of their spelling which they have designed to fit their needs. Thanks so much!

[cheri]

I am going to do this next year. I am going to write down words that I find incorrectly spelled in their writing. From this list, I am going to have them choose the words they want to learn. I'm doing it this way so that I know the words they choose will be words they struggle with.

I think everyone was trying to be helpful by sharing what they do, even if it wasn't exactly what you were looking for.

I have never considered spelling contracts to be a way to teach spelling, but rather a way to practice spelling the words. I don't use official "contracts", but I do allow them to choose their spelling assignments. They like this freedom of choice, and it allows them to practice words in a way that is useful to them.