Many teachers are frustrated with not only how spelling traditionally is taught, but also with finding time to support young spellers with explicit strategy instruction. So Mark Weakland has developed Super Spellers, an approach to teaching spelling in a way that is research-based, focused, developmentally appropriate, and tied to authentic reading and writing.
Mark does not advocate for adopting a new “spelling program”; instead he shows you how to transform what you’re already doing. He’s made spelling instruction approachable and completely doable.
Super Spellers first helps teachers understand what their students need through frequent formative assessments. The book then focuses on the scope of spelling instruction and goes deeper into teaching more words and directly teaching spelling strategies to increase students’ word-solving skills. Once kids are comfortable and competent spellers they become super readers and writers, too.
In addition to step-by-step guidance, each chapter features an “If you only have 10 minutes” segment with suggestions for things you can implement immediately and a list of PD questions. The appendix contains word inventories, a sample scope and sequence, examples of spelling list transformation, and word ladder activities.
| Foreword |
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ix | |
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| Acknowledgments |
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xi | |
| Introduction |
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1 | (8) |
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Chapter 1 Understand Theory and Practice |
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9 | (16) |
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Chapter 2 Assess Spelling Knowledge |
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25 | (24) |
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Chapter 3 Focus Scope and Sequence |
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49 | (20) |
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Chapter 4 Bring More Words |
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69 | (12) |
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Chapter 5 Teach Strategies |
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81 | (28) |
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Chapter 6 Teach Activities |
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109 | (32) |
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Chapter 7 Build Opportunities |
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141 | (12) |
| Epilogue |
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153 | (4) |
| Appendix A |
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157 | (10) |
| Appendix B |
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167 | (4) |
| Appendix C |
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171 | (6) |
| Appendix D |
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177 | (6) |
| References |
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183 | (6) |
| Index |
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189 | |
Mark Weakland is a Pennsylvania-based literacy coach and consultant with 23 years in public education as a 4th and 5th grade learning support teacher, reading consultant, and Title I reading specialist, K-6. He is the author of resource books for teachers and more than 65 books for children, as well as the creator of various award-winning music projects. Follow him on Twitter @MarkWeakland and visit his website at www.MarkWeaklandLiteracy.com.
