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Three Column Spelling

A Strategy that Works

Syllable Savvy Spelling uses a three column spelling strategy to present each word in three different columns.

Why Three Columns Spelling?

The First ColumnThe first column uses phonetic spelling. Why? When the paper is folded over so only the first column is showing, the student sees the word as it sounds. This eliminates the need for someone to read each word to him or her. The word is written with "dictionary" spelling. After reading the phonetic column, the students writes that word on their workpage in syllables.

The Second ColumnThe second column of the three column spelling method displays the word as it is normally written. In most programs, this is all that is usually presented.

The Third ColumnHere is the strength of the three column spelling method. In this column each word is written in syllables, with the number of letters in the syllable recorded. The student has already written the word on their workpage after reading the first column. Now they correct it syllable by syllable. They note the number of letters that they got correct in each syllable. If they got all letters correct, they make a special mark on their page (check, smiley face, star, heart.)

Why does this simple strategy work?

Students frequently "study" words and keep making the same mistake repeatedly without recognizing it. They do not find out until the day of the test they "studied" the word incorrectly.

Since most syllables are made of only three or four letters, the self-correcting by number of letters in a syllable focuses their attention on each letter. They can't "miss" their mistake.

In addition, it breaks even the most unusual words into less challenging syllables. Finally, the patterns within words become more evident to students the longer they use this method.

Try It Yourself

Would you like to try a FREE DOWNLOAD of the first lesson? You can use the lesson with your student, or adopt the three column method with a different list of words from another program. The Spelling Guide is in front of the first lesson.

One of the best things about Syllable Savvy Spelling is you don't have to buy it. If you are using another method, use our lessons as templates to copy the words from your list.

Once students learn this simple three column spelling they automatically use it with every word they encounter.

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