Morphology doesn’t require lengthy lessons. A few intentional minutes can transform how students see and use words. These easy, ready-to-use ideas and linked activites will help you bring morphology to life in any classroom K-8.
Category: spelling
Celebrate Spelling with a Spelling Bee
Spelling bees bring fun and joy to the often disliked subject of spelling. Learn how to host one at your school.
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Growing Thoughtful Spellers
Young writers need freedom to invent spellings, fostering confidence and phonological awareness. As they progress, understanding English orthography's complex structure becomes crucial. The goal isn't perfect spelling, but developing thoughtful encoders who analyze words. By balancing creativity with gradual introduction of conventions, we guide children towards becoming confident, reflective spellers and skilled writers.
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Invented Spelling is the Gateway to Skilled Writing: Build Your Expertise Blog Series
Teachers of writing know that invented spelling is a crucial component of literacy development for young learners. Today, build your expertise around the research that supports invented spelling and provides recommendations for moving from invented to conventional spelling, an important goal for all writers.
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Can You Spell U-p-l-i-f-t? The Power of Spelling to Level the Playing Field
In 1936, eighth grader MacNolia Cox became the first African American to win the Akron, Ohio spelling bee and to advance to the finals in the national bee. How Do You Spell Unfair is the story of her groundbreaking achievement against a backdrop of racial discrimination.
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Shared reading as a writing tool? Go for it!
Teachers always seem to be searching for extra minutes. Cycles of shared reading represent one way to thoughtfully reimagine how to make the most of each minute. When we thoughtfully (and playfully) integrate literacy, everyone wins!
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Editing Along the Way…Often in 5 Minutes or Less
The other day, I did it again. I drafted an email to my bosses. Read it. Reread it. Hit send. Got distracted. Then… saw it. The error. These moments of regret keep me humble! And so, when I notice students not applying taught spelling and grammar concepts, I remind myself that they are not defiantly… Continue reading Editing Along the Way…Often in 5 Minutes or Less
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Teaching Kids to Use the Phonics You’ve Taught
This post can be a jumping off point for learning more about how explicit phonics instruction can be connected to a joyful independent writing workshop for young children
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Minilesson Alternatives: Considering OTHER Ways to Kick Off Workshop
If you have ever felt that you were going through the motions of a minilesson, know that there are plenty of other ways you can choose to gather as a community and launch writing time. Here are ten alternatives for beginning a writing workshop session - - with joy, intention, and inspiration.
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Step Up Interactive Writing (…And Sneak In More Spelling, Vocabulary, and Grammar)
As teachers, we know that when writers encode with ease, they are better able to focus on their ideas. Interactive writing is the perfect setting to build this competency.
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Spelling Words for Kids: Resetting Our Workshop Practices
Here are some things I used to think... but now I don't -- about spelling words for kids during writing workshop.
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3 Reasons to Try Word Ladders!
Have you tried Word Ladders with your students? Here are three reasons you might want to!
