[Listen Again] Ep. 96: What About Spelling? with Richard Gentry
Apr 19, 2024
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Expert Richard Gentry discusses how spelling connects to speech and language systems. He provides science-aligned strategies for teaching spelling, emphasizing the importance of phonics and syllable patterns. The discussion covers the significance of spelling in literacy education and the need for updated teaching methods based on cognitive science research.
Implementing science-based spelling curriculum aids in identifying dyslexia through spelling development phases.
Brain words are essential for reading comprehension, emphasizing the spelling proficiency-reading comprehension link.
Knowledge of spelling development phases guides early dyslexia detection and effective literacy instruction.
Deep dives
Importance of Science-Based Spelling Instruction
Implementing a science-based spelling curriculum can help identify dyslexia in students through distinct phases of spelling development, such as moving from partial to full alphabetic spelling. Tracking students' progress in spelling can indicate red flags for potential learning disabilities and ensure early intervention strategies are in place.
Role of Brain Words in Reading Comprehension
Brain words, long-term memory representations of spelled words, are vital for reading comprehension. A child should have over 300 brain words by the end of first grade to facilitate self-teaching and automatic word recognition, demonstrating the critical link between spelling proficiency and reading comprehension.
Practical Application of Spelling Phases
Understanding the phases of spelling development, from pre-alphabetic to consolidating alphabetic spelling, guides teachers to identify students' progress and potential dyslexia early on. Focus on teaching syllable patterns and ensuring high spellings on grade-level tests to support literacy development.
Importance of Research-Based Spelling Curriculum
Consistent use of research-based spelling textbooks can provide clear word lists and structured grade-appropriate spelling activities for teachers. These resources help educators deliver effective spelling instruction based on cognitive psychology and neuroscience research.
Promoting Passionate Teaching Amid Challenges
Encouragement and support for educators, especially during challenging times like the current pandemic, are crucial for maintaining passion in teaching. Ensuring teachers have the necessary tools and strategies for successful spelling instruction can enhance student literacy outcomes.
We’ve been asked about spelling and the connection to reading science more times than we can count. Today, we talk with expert J. Richard Gentry, author of Brain Words and blog contributor to Psychology Today: Raising Readers, Writers, and Spellers (An Expert Guide for Parents).
He tells us all about spelling and how it connects to our speech and language system. Moreover, he supplies teachers with practical, meaningful, science of reading-aligned strategies to teach spelling.