Competing theories are quite common in education. In spelling research, two general perspectives have emerged over the years: stage theory and repertoire/alternative theories. Exploring these perspectives is important because teachers need to understand how spelling knowledge is critical for learning to read words and to write them. Stage theory…

Considers how spelling instruction tends to become much more focused on correcting and rewriting text. Explores how educators can develop students' spelling ability in the middle grades, conceptualizing spelling more broadly than the traditional focus on spelling as part of the editing/proofreading phase of writing. (SG)

Considers a number of different spelling/meaning patterns that may help students advance their spelling knowledge while strengthening the conceptual connections among known words and providing clues to the meaning of unfamiliar words. Describes ways in which to make spelling/meaning connections. (SG)

Explores the historical and contemporary parallels and divergences that exist across a number of issues: the nature of the system of English spelling; the nature of the learner; the nature and scope of research on the learning of spelling or orthographic structure; and the nature of spelling instruction. (RS)

Examines the structural and historical reasons underlying the spelling of certain "demon" words and suggests that the study of these underlying reasons may be one way to improve student spelling competency. (Author/FL)

Describes for middle school teachers the logic of spelling; how spelling knowledge may be assessed and developed; and how attention to spelling at the middle grades might be organized. Hopes that this broad overview may offer some support in efforts to guide students toward seeing spelling more broadly. (SG)

Using recent research in linguistics and developmental psychology, this study suggests that English spelling can be taught systematically and that its mastery is central to literacy. Examines the levels at which spelling represents information about the English language and presents five stages of spelling knowledge through which achieving…

Explains that homophones, homographs, and homonyms provide opportunities rather than obstacles in learning. Notes that the verbal art form of puns depends mightily on homophones, homographs, and homonyms. Provides a sampling of resources that explore homophones, homographs, and homonyms. (PM)

Presents the characteristics of the more popular spelling theories, describes how the optimal spelling system would work, reviews recent research on spelling, and draws implications for the teaching of spelling. (DD)

Looks at the best ideas for teaching vocabulary, relates them to the not-so-good ideas, and considers what they mean for the future of spelling instruction. Presents 4 "best ideas" and 3 "not-so-good" ideas for spelling instruction. (SG)

Reviews recent advances in linguistic analysis and how they relate to providing a sound foundation for spelling instruction. Presents the four stages of understanding of the structure of words that children should go through. Points out that spelling programs should focus on the logic of spelling. Includes an extensive list of references. (MD)

Notes that the ways in which spelling has been conceptualized have evolved dramatically over the last few decades. Explores the evolution of this reconceptualization through a discussion of spelling as a system, as a subject of instruction, and as a psychological and linguistic process in writing and reading. Explains how instructional…

Offers an instructional sequence based on the premise that the spelling of English words very often reflects meaning more than sound and designed to help students make use of this understanding in learning to spell and to increase their vocabulary. (AEA)

Addresses two broad issues: the current understanding of spelling development and how this understanding fits within a broader model of literacy development; and the implications of the developmental model for spelling instruction and word study. Suggests that it is essential that instruction balance authentic reading and writing with purposeful…

Answers teachers' most frequently asked questions about spelling, including issues related to why English spelling is the way it is; how students learn to spell; selection and organization of spelling words; determining spelling levels; invented spelling; effective instructional activities; spelling strategies; assessment; and adjusting…