spelling-give them the hint?

[Gwenny]

So, the lists all have something by the beginning, like, these words use "ai", or tell whether it's "ir, er, or ur". So, do you tell the student that?
I was trying to go over the lists orally, thinking that she could probably do the words. It's with my 14 yo Liberian who struggles. We just tried to do the list
with "ai" words and she couldn't spell them, until she knew that they all used "ai" in them, then she could spell them all orally.

I'm not sure how to do the spelling with her.

Nancy

[KimS]

I am not to a level that does spelling yet so I can't go on my experience but are you saying that is the rule it gives before you give the list? If so then I say you need to tell her the rule.
For example " ai usually says /a/ as in rain.
I have used a different program when my older ones were younger and this is what they suggest.
Also I heard a prominent speaker of a popular writing curriculum say "you can't give them enough help" They will eventually get it and tell you to stop helping them.
Plus your child has so much against them already coming here and learning a new language and culture. She needs to feel like she can succeed in these things.

[raceNzanesmom]

Mine is only in 1st. I teach the rule, repeating it often, having him repeat it back, etc. In addition to what Carrie has in the guide, I use letter tiles or magnets to help. This week he's learning long /o/ with silent /e/ ending, so I'll put those letters out and let him build words. On Thursdays before he does his "test" I ask him what rule we're learning this week and have him explain it to me. We'll often go over other words with that rule, discuss any difficulty he's having, etc. I also try to point out the rule as he does other things throughout the week- reading, writing.

I agree with the above poster, give them all the help they need until they get it. I think that is especially true with one that struggles.