How to Implement an individualized spelling routine
Words:
For this individualized spelling word routine, you can use words from
- your literacy curriculum
- a sight word list
- science or social studies vocabulary list
- or any combination of words you want your students to spell
Preparation:
First, you will need 1 file folder for each student and a ruler to draw lines.
Side note: After much trial & error I now only use file folders for my spelling routine. They are durable, easy to store and they provide a great record of spelling words learned throughout the year.
Next, draw lines on each folder to make boxes. You should make enough boxes to match the number of weeks your students get new spelling words.
Then, write the date and each student’s words in the first box. You can choose the first words for each student based on your curriculum, a pre-test or words you see your students misspell in their writing. I start with 10 words per student. However for this individualized spelling word routine, you could adjust the number of words to fit the needs of your students.
Assessment
On your testing day, you can use a teacher aide or an adult volunteer to give each child his/her spelling test. If you don’t have another adult, you can teach students how to give partner tests. Click on the picture for partner spelling directions.
New Words
When you correct the spelling tests, circle the incorrect words on the spelling folder. These words will be carried over to next week’s list. Then add new words to fill up the list.
This individualized spelling routine starts all over.
I tell my students that if they get the words correct on their spelling test, then they should spell the words correctly in their independent writing. If not, that word will go back on their spelling list.
I hope you found this information useful in implementing your own individiualized spelling routine in your classroom!
