[senco-forum] Teaching spelling rules/patterns in KS1 / 2

Interesting that you should say that...

When teaching reading I talk about phonemes and graphemes, graphs, digraphs,
trigraphs and quadgraphs.
The problem with 'letter sounds' is that letters don't make sounds!

Richard

-----Original Message-----
From: senco-forum-bounces at lists.becta.org.uk
[mailto:senco-forum-bounces at lists.becta.org.uk]On Behalf Of Chris Holt
Sent: 08 May 2007 17:11
To: senco-forum at lists.becta.org.uk
Subject: [senco-forum] Teaching spelling rules/patterns in KS1 / 2

As school Senco, I am very keen to use a range of strategies to support
children with learning.

A number of parents have approached me recently to determine why, as a
school, we no longer send spelling lists home for the children to practice.

I am in favour of sending home lists focussing on a particular spelling rule
or pattern, especially when using words in context.

Our Literacy Manager and Advisor are absolutely convinced that this strategy
is totally in-effective and mustn't be done. I believe that if it helps a
small number of pupils, it's worthwhile.

I have also been informed that use of terminology- sound/ letter is
incorrect and I must use phoneme and grapheme. Have I lost the plot or have
my colleagues? I believe pupils should be aware of all terminology.

Your comments would be welcomed.

By the way, Ofsted went very well. I have to say, it was a very positive
experience.

Many thanks for your advice.

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