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New Spelling Program in grades K-5 | Balanced Literacy in grades K-5

Webster Groves School District: New Spelling Program in grades K-5

Guided Reading - Word Work - Writing - Independent Reading

We are excited to inform you that the Webster Groves School District has chosen a new spelling program for grades 1-5. This program was designed by Rebecca Sitton, a nationally recognized spelling expert. All classroom teachers have been offered training in this new program and have received a comprehensive teacher's manual.

We are implementing this new spelling program because we recognized that students frequently misspell basic words in their writing. We also noticed that they could memorize a list of words for a Friday test, but then quickly forget those words with no improvement in their everyday writing.

The Sitton program is based on a high-frequency word list and emphasizes correct spelling in writing. However, the program also includes lessons in the areas of proofreading; spelling patterns; visual memory; sentence structure; grammar; and other language skills. Since writing is such an essential component of this spelling program , all assessments are conducted through writing-either with a sample of everyday writing; sentence dictation; or an activity during which the student fills in missing words in a paragraph. There are no Friday tests on word lists.

How can you help at home? Your child's teacher may send home papers for proofreading-simply sit with your child and look for errors in the spelling of priority words. The teacher will keep you updated on which words are considered priority words. Let your student fix their own mistakes with your help. At times, the teacher may send home a skill-building activity for your child to complete.

With your help, we can work as a team to make every child a speller! Thank you and please feel free to contact us with any questions!

Webster Groves Schools
Linda Munsell
Communication Arts Curriculum Coordinator
munsell.linda@mail.webster.k12.mo.us