I would wonder if they have mastered the first and second
grade www lists and phonics patterns first, before just
giving them more words and worksheets.

If spelling is a problem, perhaps these were kids who instead
of learning to SPELL the word wall words, were the lower end
of the spectrum and were learning how to READ the words.
They may have only just mastered reading the sight words and
never had time to actually learn and spell them.

Having taught 3rd grade, I know the kids are all over the
map. I understand how they want to give the kids "more"
thinking it would get them ahead faster, but I would focus
instead on giving them words that are more individualized,
like from their own writing, or for the super spellers,
tricky vocab words related to topics you are studying in
science and social studies.

On 10/21/08, Fran Page wrote:
> My teachers want to use Spelling Connections as a
> supplement to the Phonics book. They want to use the work
> sheets out of the book as seat work and I say to send them
> home as homework.. Is this permissable?The Phonics book
> requires a little more effort to create lesson plans. The
> Spelling book has assignment in it to do. I am saying it
> is not 4 Block if they are using a spelling book that I
> feel can eventually replace the Phonics book and the
> teachers also feel that there is not enogh spelling words
> in the Phonics Book each month and that justifies the use
> of the spelling book.
> I feel that if you use the Phonics book the students will
> receive what they need to make them better spellers. I
> guess the question is do you use just the phonics book or
> do you supplement? My job is to implement the 4 Block
> Literacy Model in the third grade.

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