Sunday, February 1, 2009

A Spelling Miracle

Misspelled words drive me crazy. Now, I can understand simple typing errors but that is about the limit of my tolerance. I teach spelling. I try to teach rules that will help kids to think through the sounds in a word and made logical guesses. That is what the English language requires - logical guesses. The rules continually change. I take that into account as I help these sweet kids. I begin to get frustrated when the same words keep appearing in spelling lists and the students continually spell them incorrectly.

A case in point is the word "they." Students learn it in 1st grade and review it at least every other week in 2nd grade. We even have a little song about it - "There is no A in they. There is no A in they. Just write the then add y. It's as easy as huckleberry pie. There is no A in they." But still, it doesn't come out right.

A couple years ago I had a student that stuggled with many words including "they." But, he loved the Pittsburg Steelers. And his favorite player? Of course, Ben Roethlisberger. His journal was filled with bits of Steeler news. His spelling was pretty bad, all except Roethlisberger. It was always correct.

I guess you spell what is important to you. And if you find any spelling errors-mere typing mistakes.

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