Spellings

[namechangesgalore]

Ds has had spellings to do since the start of year 1. They have always been very easy and for e.g. the last three weeks he has known all but one without looking at them/ learning them first at all. So 29 out of 30 were like this.

I know some people think spelling like this is a waste of time but it is phonics based at least - i.e. the words are grouped.

The tricky words ones included are those he did at least a year ago at the start of reception.

Shouldn't there be some which he needs to think about properly or learn?!

Just don't do them.

Ive had the opposite problem. My ds1 is a terrible speller and we've always had to spend 4/5 nights working hard to learn them. I've always resented this because I know that spelling tests are not regarded as an effective way of reinforcing spelling, but made him do it because :

1. I thought ignoring them and doing badly would damage his self esteem And
2. I didn't want the teachers to think I was a lazy uninterested parent. but true.

Poor kid had spent 5 years of this, he's now in Yr 6 his spelling is still crap. I've finally deceided that he doesn't have to spend any more time learning spellings, he can have a quick run through/ practise the night before and then see how he does.

He's now old enough to realise apoor spelling result is not a reflection of his ability in other areas and I no longer give a damn what the school think.

Poor kid wish I'd had this ephipany earlier.

So, be relieved and don't do them.

dd is year 1 and knew all her spellings this week without learning them. however they are now doing their spelling tests by writing sentnaces because although alot of the children know how to spell the words when they are just writing them as a list of words but when they are doing their wrting in class with all the other things they need to think about they are spelling them wrong. The teacher is probably making sure that the children are really confident with the words so that they spelling the, right all the time and not just in tests.