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Are spelling rules learned with dictation? Rules such as "i before e except after c and in words like neighbor and weigh"
I'm still on the fence concerning a spelling program. Or should I say I'm really nervous about stepping away from our traditional spelling program.
Blessings,
Jenni

I would be interested in hearing more about this also. As I was so sure that a program like Spell to Write and Read or All About Spelling was the way I should be teaching, but wasn't fitting it in. Carrie's way seems so much more relaxed and stress-free, but I would love to hear more thoughts on how it is sufficient for understanding the spelling of words.

We had a thread about this earlier but I cannot find it. I plan on just teaching those rules when we come across words in dictation that we are struggling with. The goal of learning spelling rules is to be a better speller. If the child can spell the words correctly without the rule, then the rule is not necessary. It is only a means to an end.

For example in the following dictation exercise...

They always seek a valley near the edge of some stream so that the herd may get food and drink.

If my child was struggling to correctly spell, "edge", then I would pull out my book and teach her...

dge after a short vowel at the end of a primitive word such as badge, bridge, edge, dodge.

The books I use for reference are The ABC's and All Their Tricks by Margaret M. Bishop and Handy English Encoder Decoder by Harvey Bluedorn.

However, if she can already spell edge from memory without the aid of a rule then I wouldn't worry about it.

Just bumping up

I've only got a brief moment right now, but these links may help: Be sure to click on the links within the threads too.

viewtopic.php?f=6&t=2142

viewtopic.php?f=6&t=4494

Blessings,
Carrie