ABSTRACT
Words are best learned and remembered when used in context, which is why sentence work is so important.
The objective is to use a multi-sensory approach to:
• look at the word and take a mental snapshot of it • say the word while looking at it and to listen to the sounds as it is spelt aloud • cover the word and look at it in the mind’s eye • write the word using cursive writing • check the spelling by comparing it with the original spelling
Section B
The objective is to be able to understand the words in context when reading sentences and when doing independent writing – and also dictation, when the learner:
• reads the passage through to practise seeing and hearing the homophones in context • re-reads sentence by sentence (longer sentences may need to be broken into shorter,
meaningful phrases) • write the passage to dictation • re-read using the proof-reading C-O-P-S to check:
Capital Letters Omissions Punctuation Spelling
Dictation can also be used by an individual without the help of a teacher/learning partner/parent. The learner:
• reads the passage onto a cassette tape recorder or a minidisk recorder with playback facility
• plays it back, using headphones to listen to it sentence by sentence and then writes it down
• proof-reads what has been written by checking with the original passage and using the proof-reading C-O-P-S
Section C
The crossword puzzle activity is more challenging and can be used for older learners and good spellers to enhance language skills, including idioms and general knowledge.
