Strengthening student spelling through writers workshop

– Presented by Deb Sukarna for Foundation to Year 6 Teachers

Whilst Spelling will have its own place in our teaching program, we also know that Writers Workshop provides a rich context to improve the ability of children to spell. Spelling is a complex cognitive process. If students are to experience success as writers, they need to know what they can do when spelling an unknown word and when proofreading writing.  Students need to build their Spelling knowledge and have a repertoire of spelling strategies if they are to progress as spellers. This workshop will focus on Spelling routines that naturally differentiate within a Writers Workshop and that allow students to practice and build confidence as spellers. Teachers will also be introduced to Spelling Analysis, for students at risk and to monitor progress.

** Teachers are asked to bring 3 samples of student writing that includes spelling errors

This day will include:

• Brief outline of Repertoire Approach to Spelling and how we learn to Spell
• Spelling Development Stages for informing and monitoring
• Good spellers have a metacognitive disposition and resources to draw upon when writing – how can we teach this?
• Connecting what is taught in spelling to student writing – the reasons we teach spelling!
• Word Inquiry that engages students
• Writing Conferences with a spelling focus
  • Spelling Routines that differentiate and practical ways to embed spelling during writing, reading, inquiry
  • Learning words through writing and building written vocabulary.
• Creating practical resources for students
• Spelling Analysis to inform planning and close monitoring