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How to Use a Spelling Journal

One of the most challenging aspects of English spelling is the number of different ways to spell words with the same sound! For example, /ā/ can be spelled ai as in plain, ay as in way, ea as in great, or with five other spellings. 

 

Logic of English Spelling Journal

The Spelling Journal is designed to accompany our Essentials curriculum or supplement any spelling program instruction. 

 

Spelling Journal Features

  • provides a system for collecting, categorizing, and understanding words 
  • organized first by sounds and then by spellings
  • includes spellings for each phonogram and spelling rule guidance 

The Spelling Journal does not include sounds with only one option for spelling, such as short /ă/. This is because there is only one spelling for /ă/.

 

Why should I use a spelling journal?

Using a spelling journal can help you:

  • discover which phonograms and spelling rules are most commonly used.
  • learn which phonograms and rules are infrequently used.
  • understand your options for spelling a given sound.
  • organize your knowledge about words.

Learning the phonograms and spelling rules helps students understand 98% of English words. However, some words still have to be memorized because many English words have sounds with multiple spellings. The Spelling Journal is a powerful resource for simplifying this process and an excellent reference for students to build along the way.

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