Spelling questions...

[Robin in DFW]

My ds11, 6th grade, has been using SWO since 3rd grade. He is a very good speller and I don't really think he needs to do a spelling program, but I hate to give it up because he's used it for such a long time...it's such a part of our routine!

He doesn't really use spelling rules to spell words correctly...he just spells them correctly...he just remembers them. I have always spelled this way, too. I don't remember ever learning spelling rules other than i before e....thing is, if he doesn't know how to spell something, he recognizes that he doesn't and he asks...in our house we always give the child the correct spelling. I don't go in for that "sound it out" thing. Why have them sound it out and spell it wrong? Then that incorrect spelling is stuck in their heads...kwim?

We are starting a TLP lit guide and it includes vocabulary words that are used for spelling words also. Would this be a better way for him to do spelling...having it be "cross-curricular" so to speak? The words are much more challenging than SWO's words. He can usually spell all of the SWO words without studying them.

Any thoughts?
Robin

[WendyK]

It is like phonics. Some kids just get it. I never used a phonics program after DS learned to read. He just did not need it. He is also a natural speller. My husband and I are good spellers too. I couldn't tell you any spelling rules. I just have a good sense for how words are spelled.

I wouldn't bother with a spelling program anymore. You can just focus on making sure words are spelled correctly in his writing, or as you suggested, make it part of vocabulary study.

[amyco71]

After a while, spelling for the sake of spelling gets old, especially when they aren't challenged. And I agree, there really aren't many "rules" for spelling that are worth memorizing, because there are so many exceptions! I really like the idea of using the TLP vocab words for spelling. WTM recommends going to vocab after finishing the SWO series, or even before finishing the series, depending on where the child is. The gist of it is that after 6th grade is a good time to switch to vocab. That's what we're planning to do!

[Pensguys]

I wouldn't do it either. I"m going to make my older ds finish it out this year (we're doing Phonetic Zoo) then we're not doing spelling any more.

[Robin in DFW]

Thanks for giving me permission, ladies! I'm relieved to know others feel the same about all those spelling rules!

:001_smile:Robin

[matroyshka]

If my natural speller were my only child, I doubt I would've ever done a spelling program, and probably secretly wondered why everyone else was so uptight about this (I'm also a natural speller).

My other two children taught me why there's such a pressing need. :D

But I really don't see a huge need for a spelling program for a natural speller. This year I switched that dd to Spelling Wisdom - not because she needs it but because she loves "spelling" (where else does she get everything right?), and she would've considered taking it away a punishment :001_huh: - I figured at least this way with the dictation she's getting a bit more than just simply spelling.