We are using an Individualized Spelling program. Here's how it works: On Monday, we take our pre-test. That test consists of thirty words, focused around a particular spelling skill or strategy. This week's list was made up of words with the long "a" or short "a" vowel sound. The students correct their own pre-test, until they find the first ten words that they spelled incorrectly. Those ten words are their Spelling words for the week. If they had fewer than ten words wrong, then they have fewer than ten words for the week. In general, the farther down the list the kids get, the more challenging and difficult their words are. So, as it works out, each student has a potentially unique list of Spelling words, but still based on a common skill or strategy. Get it?
The two most common questions I get are, "Isn't it a lot of work making up each of their individual lists?" and, "How do you test them on Friday if they all have different lists?" Great questions...I'm glad you asked. First, I developed a handy-dandy Excel spreadsheet that makes the lists for me. All I need to do is punch in the numbers of the words they spelled wrong on the pre-test, and the computer does the rest. As far as testing goes, the students work in pairs and test each other. Then they correct their tests. It's actually less work for me!
Meanwhile, we spend a little time each day doing activities that reinforce the Spelling skill that the kids are working on that week. As mentioned, the post-test comes on Friday. This system has worked well for me, and I like that it provides students a list of words that they don't already know, and challenges them to master them.
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