Our program is based on theories and strategies as presented through extensive training as part of the Missouri Reading Initiative, and is modified to fit the needs of students. We are currently using a Spelling List developed by Linda Dorn. Below, is our weekly schedule.

Wednesday (Day 1 of a new unit):

ü Students complete the unit pretest, which has a spelling focus or rule.

ü Students print their results and highlight correctly spelled words.

ü For each correct word, students choose a new word based on words misspelled in their writing or words to pose a challenge (but not too much of a challenge).

ü If a child doesn’t finish selecting new words in class, this is homework.

ü Word lists are approved by the teacher (either today or the next school day).

Thursday (Day 2):

ü Students log in to our class page at www.spellingcity.com and find their named list.

ü Once each child finds their own list, they click “Edit.”

ü New words are entered and the list is saved.

ü The new list is printed and a copy is kept in the child’s B.E.E. Binder. The original list (pretest from Wednesday) is kept in the red binder (literacy binder).

ü A cursive handwriting packet is printed.

ü The Spelling Tic Tac Toe assignment is distributed or picked up and students choose the three (or four for a challenge) activities they plan to complete. This assignment is due the following Wednesday.

ü Students should share their lists with parents and study at home.

Friday (Day 3):

ü Students study with a buddy, each taking turns to quiz each other.

ü Students will have class time to work on selected Tic Tac Toe activities.

Over the weekend:

ü Students are encouraged to study their lists over the weekend.

ü OPTIONAL: Students can work at home on their Tic Tac Toe activities.

Monday (Day 4):

ü Students study with a different buddy than on Friday, each taking turns to quiz each other.

ü Students will have class time to work on selected Tic Tac Toe activities.

ü Each child should study at home.

Tuesday (Day 5):

ü Each child takes the spelling word test (their named, personalized list) and prints the results.

ü Each child completes the dictation portion of the test using the original unit word list. This allows each child to practice spelling words in context, and to apply correct use of conventions (punctuation, capitalization, etc.).

ü Students finish up the Tic Tac Toe activities. Any unfinished activities are to be completed for homework. In class, they are reminded to plan accordingly (i.e. if a computer with internet is unavailable, a child can’t complete the online portion at home).