Writer's Workshop: "I don't know how to spell."

I went to a great PD with Columbia Teacher's College (TC) Reading and Writing Workshop staffers. I went to a seminar by my favorite TC staffer, Kate Roberts. She did a presentation on supporting struggling writers. Over the course of the presentation she deconstructed several common student complaints (e.g. "My hand hurts.", "I can't think of anything to write about." etc.) to help teachers identify what to notice and teach, and what resources to use or provide.

If you have a common complaint you'd like to hear about post it in the forum and I'll check my notes and share my own experience. Thanks.

Complaint: "I don't know how to spell."

1. Observe and notice behavior

Does this student:

• Love to copy...(neighbors, charts)
• Look at charts all the time
• Erase constantly
• Act like a fearful speller

Is this student a perfectionist or unable to spell every word they come to?

2. Interview kids

Do you know any strategies to spell? OR What do you do to figure out spelling?

What are some words that trip you up? Tricky words? Clunkers?

3. Teach how words work

Use word sorts and making words activities at their level for stickiest learning.

• Quick, repeated instruction
• Determine level from spelling inventory (e.g. Words Their Way)

Independent reading at their level

• NOT SPELLING TESTS --this isn't sticky learning

4. Teach how to try

Write 3 possible ways and then choose the best one

5. Teach to mark unsure spellings

Circle or underline words or parts of words they think are misspelled

6. Provide resources

Kid friendly dictionaries

• Not Webster's

Spell checkers - Teach when and who to ask (at table for share of marked words)

Application:

Which of your students need support in these areas? Plan to pull a small group or make your whole group lesson.