Spelling for Writing ©

A Differentiated Spelling Program For 4th Grade

Developed by Janet Warren 2012 pdf

Spelling for Writing © Table of Contents Introduction…………………………………………………………………………..2 Instructions ………………...………………………………………………………..3 Parent Letter …………………………………………………………………………4 Worksheets…………………………………………………………………………...5 Spelling Lists…………...…………………………………………………………...12

1

Spelling for Writing © Why another spelling program? As we began a new school year, we did not look forward to using the same spelling program, with the same lists, that our students had used since second grade. In fact, several parents had complained as we began the usual program, and their students showed no new progress from the previous year. What could we do differently, that would be beneficial for our students. Two years of a phonics and spelling rules approach had progressed most students about as far as they could go with that. Excellent spelling students were faced with a wall, in that they would be promoted to a list of words well beyond elementary level. For more challenged students, the words were well below 4th grade level. What was the original goal of any spelling program? What if we developed a program that featured words the students could actually use in their writing? What if it included key words in Social Studies and Science, so students could use them properly in essay questions? What if the program was designed for student input? And what if it was differentiated to different student spellers? What if we made it safe for students to reach beyond their level of comfort, so they would challenge themselves? Would it work? This program is not based on empirical studies, or research. It is based on what teachers know about their students, and the needs we saw. It addresses clear goals within our classrooms. The word lists are familiar to all teachers. We live by our word lists, and word walls. We included words for better writing that we would all like to see our students use, which they commonly find in a thesaurus. We introduce them to commonly misspelled words. The program has flexibility—if your content words are different from ours, go ahead - change them. The program was developed in MS Publisher, but can be converted to MS Word. The Spelling list pages are pdf’s.

Does It Work? We started this program as an experiment, and we added to it during the year. Over and over we found that parents and students really liked the program. The program was based on common sense needs in our classroom. It benefitted the writers in our classroom, and all students used the content words on tests, and in project, report, and research writing. Being exposed to commonly misspelled words is valuable for any student, at any grade level. What was really surprising was the enthusiasm from our students. Being able to choose their words, and being able to try, without penalty, harder words, brought the most satisfying result. As many as 50% of the class chose to learn all of the words, often beyond their “level”. At least another 30% tried some of the “harder” words. That is success that we can really appreciate. Janet Warren 2

Spelling for Writing © Program Instructions How to use this program: Each week students are given a copy of the current possible words. The purpose of each list should be explained to students so that they understand the types of words offered. The first list is Words for Better Writing (synonyms for weak or overused words) —they are asked to choose five, and write them on the list on their assignment sheet. Then they are to copy all five Content Words, explaining that these are words they need to know for essay questions, and written answers in Virginia Studies and Science. (Teachers outside of Virginia can substitute other content words.) They choose the next 5 words from the Commonly Misspelled Words list. This gives a student their 15 basic words list. Students who wish to learn all the words are welcome to do so. Many students voluntarily do this for the challenge. However, they are graded on their 15 word list. Any additional words are considered bonus words. There are 18 weeks of lists. We suggest that you assign spelling only when you have a 5 day week, so that students can adequately practice their words for mastery. For the last few weeks, we create customized lists of words heavy on content and SOL testing words, to prepare for End of Year tests. Spelling Assignments: Included is a sheet of assignments, from which students may pick two for homework, unless the teacher assigns alternate assignments. There are a number of creative assignments, but students also have to write ten sentences using ten of their words, and put their words in alphabetical order. Alternate assignments are included with this set. There is a syllables worksheet, and one for alphabetical order. Working on definitions can be a classroom assignment. In addition, the most important assignment, is to try and get a written paragraph in class, once a week, that uses the Words for Better Writing. Tests Ask students to number 1-15 if using notebook paper. There is an included test paper form. The main words will go on the left. Bonus words will go on the right. Students are directed to write two sentences in the space provided at the bottom, to demonstrate mastery. Words 1-15 are considered Level 3 and account for 80 percent of the test grade. The two sentences are Level 4, and account for the challenge points. How well does it work? We found in the first year that most students were very happy to have a new program that made sense to them, and with which they had some choice about the words. Only a few students stuck with the simplest words on the list throughout the year. Most chose more challenging words and fully half of most classes chose to try all the words, putting their choice words in a list on the left, and putting their bonus words on the right hand side. Because they can try the harder words, without penalty, more students feel safe to try all the words. Flexibility This program allows for individual improvements, and development of alternative assignments. Just remember to keep this program accessible to 4th grade students. We want them to try and to succeed. 3

Spelling for Writing © Program Dear Parents, We developed the Spelling for Writing © Program because many of us expressed a desire to create a program that would address using words in a spelling program that supported strong writing, and which also allowed for reinforcement of content words in Science and Social Studies. Third and Fifth Grade have also incorporated spelling programs that specifically address learning skills at their level. The words address three aspects of spelling that we believe are key to writing success. Students will have input into these lists by being able to choose from two of three lists – one including stronger verbs, adjectives and adverbs for writing, and one which addresses some of the top two hundred commonly misspelled words (misspelled is one of those!). We expect students to challenge themselves in their choices, but we have ensured that all choices would help with their writing, from easy to hard. In addition, students will have a group of five Science or Social Studies words that will better reinforce SOL terms that we are using in our content areas. These 5 words are required each week, because they use these words, on tests, in essay answers that show critical thinking. We feel this new program will address what we consider real-life spelling needs for our students. To address the diverse needs of our students, we will also differentiate by offering modified lists for those whose skills need strengthening in other ways. Our goal is spelling success. As students learn to spell the words they actually use in their writing, they will be prepared for the rigorous writing requirements of 5th grade. We will continue to include classroom spelling activities, as well as continuing to complete spelling homework each week. Practice is key to success, and the more the words are used, the stronger the connection the student has – leading to spelling, and writing, success. We feel that with two years of Word Study support already, most students need to focus now on the words they will use every day. Spelling for Writing © is that program. Our goal is creative, diverse and strong writers, and this program will support that goal. Thank you, The Fourth Grade Team

4

Spelling for Writing © Alphabetical Order Name ___________________ Week #

Date:

1. 2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15. 5

Spelling for Writing © Name _______________________________ Week ____________________

Syllable Sort—Divide word by syllables. One syllable words _____________________ _____________________ _____________________ Two syllable words _____________________ ___________________ _____________________ ___________________ _____________________ ___________________ _____________________ ___________________ _____________________ ___________________ Three syllable words _____________ _______________ _____________ _____________ _______________ _____________ _____________ _______________ _____________ _____________ _______________ _____________ Four or Five syllable words _________ ___________ __________ ___________ ________ _________ ___________ __________ ___________ ________

6

Spelling for Writing © Test Form Name ________________________ Date ______________ Your List

Bonus Words

1.__________________________________

__________________________

2.__________________________________

__________________________

3.__________________________________

__________________________

4.__________________________________

__________________________

5.__________________________________

__________________________

6.__________________________________

__________________________

7.__________________________________

__________________________

8.__________________________________

__________________________

9.__________________________________

__________________________

10._________________________________

__________________________

11._________________________________

__________________________

12._________________________________

__________________________

13._________________________________

__________________________

14._________________________________

__________________________

15._________________________________

__________________________

Write two strong sentences, using two, or more, words from your spelling list

_______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ 7

Spelling for Writing © Homework Choices—Choose 2 Each Week (Unless your teacher changes the assignment.) Draw a Picture Write your word down and draw a picture that illustrates the word. Complete illustrations for 7 words. Paragraph Story Using at least5 of your words, write a short story (at least 5 sentences long).

Acrostic Poem

3 Times Each

Write an acrostic poem for 3 Write all your words 3 times of your longer words. Choose each. Write once in print, once from any of the three lists. in cursive and once in capitals.

Blind Sort

Shapes in Spelling

List the three sorts—Better Write 10 of your shorter words Words, Content Words, and to create the sides of shapes. Misspelled words. Then have For example, write the word someone call out your words three times to create a triangle, and write in one of the col- four time to create the sides of a umns. square.

Questions

Vowels & Consonants

Using 7 spelling words, create 7 really good questions. Be creative and make them interesting questions.

Write all spelling words. Circle all vowels in the words. For extra credit, underline all consonants.

Cursive

Sentences

Rainbow Words

Write all your words twice in cursive. Please write neatly.

Using ten spelling words, write ten strong sentences. These should be 4th grade level sentences, not short, easy sentences.

Write each word in a different color of marker on your page. You may alternately create a Wordle or Tagxedo image, if you can print it.

Build Your Skills

Create a Word Find

Synonyms

Write definitions for 8 of your On graph paper, outline a box, Choose 6 words, and look them words. You should use only 10 spaces by 10 spaces. In- up in a thesaurus. Write down a the most common definition for sert 10 words at random. Fill synonym for these words. You each word. in other spaces with any ranmay not use words from the dom letters. first column. 8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

Spelling for Writing © Thank you for using the Spelling for Writing Program. If you have questions, or suggestions, please contact me at: [email protected]

27