Explores thoughts about what teachers owe young writers in helping them learn to spell. Considers the variety of ideas in the educational community on this topic, discussing briefly invented spelling, spelling in the writing process, word lists, and spelling patterns. (SR)

Presents and discusses a speller's bill of rights, consisting of nine items to guide a spelling curriculum and ensure that children leave elementary school able to express themselves strongly and effectively in writing, including the ability to ensure that words in their writing are spelled appropriately without spending hours on proofreading. (SR)

Presents brief annotations of 11 books and journal articles (published between 1971 and 1996) useful to teachers, that address the teaching and learning of spelling. (SR)

Reflects on four significant issues discussed in this issue devoted to teaching writers to spell: (1) how much time should be spent on spelling; (2) how kids can be helped to care more about spelling; (3) how stakeholders can be helped to understand the point of what educators are doing with spelling; and (4) where the national climate is heading…

Presents five children's writing samples and makes suggestions for working with each writer. Stresses the importance of meeting children where they are (regardless of how they compare with their peers), since that is the only place from which they can start. (SR)

Describes the author' spelling program for her second-grade classroom, a program grounded in the writing process, especially developing strategies for writing, learning, and proofreading words. Lists elements of a print-rich environment and lists spelling strategies. (SR)

Uses the example of a lesson on double consonants for second graders to illustrate a focused yet open-ended informal assessment that can be used for many lessons on spelling. (SR)

Describes observing and working with Emily, a third grader who was a proficient reader but whose knowledge in reading did not seem to transfer to spelling. Finds that Emily's spelling improved over the school year as she internalized spelling strategies and proofreading practices. Notes that her confidence improved and that she was able to explain…

Describes one teacher's change process as she moved from a formal list of spelling words to a more individualized program, focusing on high-frequency words, student ownership, and sound/spelling principles. Offers descriptions of her spelling program as well as seven selected journals entries to show what her spelling program looks like during a…