Spelling

In first grade, the students are responsible for weekly sets of spelling words.  The classroom teachers provide the students with activities to complete at home to further practice the words.  As the year progresses, the teachers provide the students with ways to practice the spelling words on the iPads as well as online. Here are some of the ways they practice their skills using low-tech means, websites, and apps:

No Technology Needed

Write the Words: Students practice writing each word three times.

Practice Test: At home, parents or siblings give the student a simulated test.  This test must be signed by a parent and returned to school.

Concentration: Students are provided with a sheet of paper with the spelling words on it to cut out and play the game individually or with others.

Follow the Path: Students finish making this board game by writing their spelling words in the empty spaces.  At home, students play the game with their family members.  Each player takes a turn rolling a die and moving that number of spaces.  After moving their playing piece, they must follow the directions on the space.  If there is a spelling word, he or she must spell the word correctly to stay on that space.  Otherwise, the playing piece is moved back to the last space he or she was on.

21 Ways to Support Spelling in the Classroom: This resource provides many ways to practice spelling with or without the help of technology.  All of the ideas were compiled into this one resource from many contributors. I really like tip #9 Mix It Up a Bit which links to a set of cards with many different ways to practice spelling words.

Website

Spelling City: Students type in their word lists and play games such as HangMouse, Word Search, Unscramble, Missing Letter. There is the option for the website to give the students a spelling test that verbally tells the students the words which the students then type in.

iPad Apps

Spelling Test: Enter the spelling words, and it will quiz you. ($1.99)

Word Magic: Using the given word lists, fill in the missing letters or blends. Each word is paired with a correlating picture. ($0.99)

Spell Blocks with Sight Words: Using the given word lists, unscramble the letters to spell the words. ($1.99)

Montessori Approach to Language - Moving Alphabet HD: Students can either use the letters to make their own words or have the app provide them with a picture of a word to spell from the provided word lists.  The app does not provide feedback as to whether the answer is correct. ($3.99)