Implementing spelling? Question for Carrie.

[Tabrett]

I have a question about spelling.
Just a little back ground first: I will have an older 1st grader (will be 7 in October). She will be ready to do the emerging readers in the fall.

Should I give a pretest first to see if my dd can spell the words or just do the exercises you suggest even if my dd can spell the words?

If you suggest a pretest and my dd gets them right, should I then go to list 2 for 1st grade or test my dd in list 1 for 2nd grade? Does that make sense? Should I though the first grade list before starting the 2nd grade list?

[my3sons]

Hi there! I'm not Carrie, but I was wondering which HOD guide you are doing? Spelling List 1 and 2 are in Beyond, and Spelling List 2 and Dictation Level 2 are in Bigger Hearts. Carrie's crazy busy right now but will definitely get back to you in time. I know she'd ask which guide first though, so I thought I'd ask it for her.

In Christ,
Julie

[Tabrett]

I'm going to be using Beyond.

[my3sons]

Thanks! Well, spelling instruction is in the Language Arts box of the Beyond plans, and I just wanted to mention that it is very important to do all of the activities with the words in the plans, as they are important for building better spelling skills. If you start with List 1 in Beyond, then you can do List 2 in Bigger. If you start with List 2 in Beyond, then you'd do Dictation Level 2 in Bigger. I say this just in case you are wanting your child to have 2 years of lists before doing dictation. If it were me, I'd start with list 1, and if after we'd done all of the LA plans for a few weeks with the words in Beyond it all seemed very easy for your child, then I'd switch to list 2 at that point. HTH!

In Christ,
Julie

[Tabrett]

Let me make sure I understand what you are saying.
I have read the instructions in the Beyond TG for spelling.

Don't give a pretest and do the activities with all the words even if you dc can spell them.
Try list one for several weeks and if it seems too easy, then switch to list two.

It that correct?

If I need to switch, do I go back and start list 2 with week one or do I start list 2 on the week we are in the TG? For example if I deside to switch in week four, would I do list 2 week four or do list 2 week one?

Clear as mud, right?

[smithdonnajo]

I'm following this thread too. I'm interested because I'll be starting Bigger with my 9yo in about a month, and will be doing the spelling list with her. I see from the posts above, it is considered the 2nd spelling list and the 1st spelling list is in Beyond. This is our first time with HOD. I do wish I could see the 1st spelling list in Beyond to see if she knows those...

Since I am new and just learning these things, I don't know for sure, but, if your dc can spell the words in list one, I think you would do list two, then when you get to Bigger, do the dictation.

Donna Jo

[my3sons]

Don't give a pretest and do the activities with all the words even if you dc can spell them.
Try list one for several weeks and if it seems too easy, then switch to list two.
It that correct?

Yes! If your child does very well with Days 2, 3, and 4 of the plans especially (like misses pretty much nothing consistently for 2-4 weeks of the plans and does well with constructing and copying the sentences), then I'd move on to the harder lists.

If I need to switch, do I go back and start list 2 with week one or do I start list 2 on the week we are in the TG? For example if I deside to switch in week four, would I do list 2 week four or do list 2 week one?

If you end up switching, I'd just start with whatever unit you are in. So, if you switch to harder spelling lists in Unit 4, I'd do the harder spelling words for Unit 4 then and not go back to the start with the harder lists. Clear as mud?

One other thing to keep in mind - after Spelling List 2, the dc do Dictation Level 2 next. Bigger Hearts has both Spelling List 2's words and Dictation Level 2's words in its Appendix. If you are really wanting 2 years of spelling words, then you should do Spelling List 1 in Beyond, and Spelling List 2 in Bigger. I'm just saying that because I know some moms are inclined to want that. My personal opinion is that if dc are thriving with List 2, by its conclusion, they will do well with Dictation Level 2 next. But, I thought I'd mention that just for you to consider your thoughts on the matter.

In Christ,
Julie