Content and performance-mode codes were used in a page-by-page examination of seven commonly used spelling series in a study of the content of elementary spelling instruction and the kinds of spelling practice provided by current spelling texts. The codes were processed by computer to permit analysis of what is taught. Results showed that most…

This paper describes some of the regularities of English spelling that are generally ignored in spelling books. Specifically, topics of discussion include simple sounds with complex, but predictable, spellings; infrequent, specialized spellings; and homophonous final syllables. The use of these spelling rules can help elementary school students…

The first four books of the Economy spelling series, "Spelling Growth," are reviewed in this paper in terms of content and, to a lesser degree, method. The Economy series is teacher-directed and emphasizes discrimination and identification of sounds. These two skills are clearly useful for spelling, but it is claimed that the series…

Differences between spelling-to-sound and sound-to-spelling correspondences can cause problems in the teaching of reading and writing. (MKM)

The preparation of spelling skills indices, which may be used to describe the spelling content commonly taught in textbooks and the performance modes used to practice this content, is outlined in this paper. Separate sections discuss the preliminary analysis that was performed; the establishment of a Content Index that specifies major categories…

Defining regularity in the English language is not a straightforward matter because of the complex relations between sound and spelling. Predictable patterns are those spellings that can be readily predicted from pronunciation. Rare and unpredictable spellings are found only in a small set of words--probably 10% or less of the vocabulary in…

Three reputed advantages of using a letter-combination (LC) approach, as opposed to a grapheme-unit (GU) approach for initial word-attack and spelling instruction are critically analyzed. While LC reduces the number of elements per word, it also reduces the number of words that can be generated. LC eliminates distortion in the final…

One outcome area in the Southwest Regional Laboratory (SWRL) Spelling Program is the use of sources (e.g. a dictionary) to determine the correct spelling of words having unpredictable but common sound-to-spelling correspondences. This paper describes the dictionary-source instruction used in commercially available spelling series and the materials…

Noting that students write more freely if they feel confident about their spelling, this paper offers seven practical and effective ways that teachers can help their students become better spellers. The suggestions offered are as follows: (1) teach students that English spelling is systematic; (2) teach students which spellings are predictable;…

This report is concerned with the formulation of a sequence for the spelling-to-sound correspondence rules that cover the 1- and 2-syllable words in the speech comprehension vocabularies of 6- and 9-year-olds. One major function of the rule sequence is to serve as a basis for developing reading instruction materials for the sequence and content of…

To better understand how spelling is taught, six commercial spelling series were reviewed in terms of linguistics orientation, conception of spelling, and treatment of spelling for instruction. In addition, the spelling content of each series through fourth grade was described. Comparisons were made among the series in terms of specific aspects…

The Follett spelling series "Spelling and Writing Patterns" is reviewed in terms of content and method. While descriptive writing plays a considerable role in the series, it is discussed only briefly in this paper. It is concluded that, other than in the first book, spelling instruction does not provide a sufficient basis for learning…

The second of three volumes on the relationship between writing research and instruction, this report first describes a 1982 conference on writing policies and problems sponsored by the Educational Research and Development division of the Southwest Regional Laboratory (SWRL) and the California State University, Long Beach. The second section…

The English spelling system and the teaching of English spelling are discussed in relation to students who are learning English as a second (or foreign) language. The systematic nature of English spelling is described and a brief summary is presented of sound-to-spelling correspondences and of other spelling rules. Specific difficulties which may…