During the first half of the school year, we incorporate informal spelling activities in many aspects of our language arts program. Our formal program begins at the end of January. The description below is for that formal part. The links that are given, however, can be used at any time during the year.

Each week there will be a list of twelve words that are taken from our word wall and word family words. There will also be a list of challenge words with three levels of difficulty. (To see this week's list, click on "Homework.") On Mondays a pret-test is given, the words are introduced and students take the list home in their homework. Students who get a perfect score on the pretest are given another set of words to learn, and will select either the blue or green challenge words. Students and their parents decide which set of challenge words they are going to study for that week. Please keep in mind that the lists are "weighted" so that students are not penalized for choosing harder words. On Friday, or the last day of the school week, we will have a spelling test. The words are dictated in a list, and then simple sentences using these words are dictated, as well. Each student has a unique learning style that works best for them. Click on the link below for strategies to help your child learn how to spell words. Also, check out our Links page to find some other fun ways for your child to learn how to spell words. The Slate page can be used for practice, as well.

**Each week's spelling list can be found by going to the homework page. The list appears on the first page of the homework each week. Those students who get all of the List 1 words correct on the pretest will study the List 2 words, and do either the blue or green challenge words. List 2 words also appear on the homework page.

http://www.spelling.hemscott.net

http://www.amblesideprimary.com/ambleweb/lookcover/lookcover.html