My district adopted Sitton Spelling two years ago. I used it
religiously and was not really impressed. It relies on direct
instruction for EVERY lesson. It is exhausting for the
teacher. Kids do not seem to take personal responsibility to
master spelling rules at all. The lessons in each unit are not
tested in the unit cloze test, either-- the philosophy is that
kids are told that this will be tested sometime soon... so don't
forget. The tests include random words from the grade level's
word list (500 words at the 5th grade level). Not enough
motivation for kids to retain spelling rules in my opinion.
Nothing seems to follow the Gradual Release of Respnsibility
MOdel at all. I do/We do/We do more/You do and I watch/You do
independently.

But then again, I guess I am a bit of an old fashioned spelling
person... I miss the lists and tests like in the old Scott
Forsman. Forget the write the word 20 times or write them all
in sentences-- that stuff was crap. I'm all for teaching the
rule (words with /ow/ sounds, for example), giving them
meaningful practice that gets them thinking how to apply the
rules, and testing them with a dictation test. Then they can
solidify the rules in their heads and be accountable for showing
their ability. Parents can also help them master them if they
know what words to focus on.

With RSitton there is no homework. (well... there is one page
per unit, but it is not always clear or useful). There are no
spelling lists or even one specific spelling pattern per unit.
In fact, there are two or three completely disconnected skill
lessons per unit that are not ever tested. Like /ow/ sounds,
contractions, and doubling the consonant lessons, all in one
unit. It is maddening!

I've used WTW at summer school a few times and while I do think
it engages students more, it also fails in my opinion. The
basis of the WTW unit is word sorts, and my students got very
good at sorting words by sound, then pattern. BUT they could
not necessarily tranfer that ability to writing words correctly
in their own work. It is also hard to prep for because each
child or small group is working on a different list and spelling
pattern, and those word cards don't make themselves!

I know this all sounds like a downer-- I'm just not happy with
anything am I! I'm not trying to be a Negative Nelly. I have
been very frustrated with my school's spelling instruction and I
don't see kids getting any better with the new program. Some
5th graders still come to me not knowing the difference between
take, tack, and tak. Ridiculous!

JAM
Who is going rebel next fall and will do what it takes to help
them become spellers by the spring

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