Spelling & Grammar » Spellwell

Spellwell
by Nancy M. Hall
Grades 2–5

This flexible spelling series from the author of Explode The Code teaches grade-level words that follow a particular pattern as well as words that are chosen by the individual student. It makes an organized, effective spelling program in just thirty minutes of class time per week a reality. Each book is suitable for half a school year:

Spellwell A and Aa for Grade 2
Spellwell B and Bb for Grade 3
Spellwell C and Cc for Grade 4
Spellwell D and Dd for Grade 5

The skills taught throughout the program are cumulative, so both the first and second books are needed to complete the program. Original and unique artwork contributes to Spellwell’s appeal.

Each book is consistently organized to include grade-appropriate words that follow a particular spelling rule or pattern. Sight words frequently used in writing are also included. In addition, each lesson allows space for words from students’ classroom reading or writing. For example, when a class is studying weather patterns, the teacher might decide to add “cloudy,” “rainy,” “forecast,” or “degree” to the list. The student will add to their personal dictionaries words they would like to know how to spell. Spellwell’s organization also includes activities to be done at home. These include finding rhyming words, sorting words, adding affixes, and writing words in puzzles, stories, and bingo games. Some lessons ask students to identify words with similar spelling patterns in their reading books or textbooks and write those words in their word lists. In addition, several lessons conclude with writing exercises that ask students to write a paragraph that incorporates the new spelling words they have learned.

Spellwell is based on learning curve research principles are therefore designed for the heterogeneous classroom. Students who spell easily move directly from the pretest to more difficult words, vocabulary enhancement, and extra written expression. Students who are less facile can work with the part of the list based on a single rule or generalization. Meanwhile, the majority of students benefit from learning and reviewing rules at frequent intervals and improve their ability to spell content-area words through direct experience with and observation of the language.

		For more information on individual components in this series, click on a title below.