What is Spalding?
The
Spalding Method was developed by educator Romalda Spalding over a
period of forty years with the assistance of Dr. Samuel Orton, a
neurologist and brain specialist. The philosophy behind the Spalding
method is that reading, writing, handwriting and spelling much be
taught—that they are not learned automatically or through mere
observation. Spalding instruction includes the introduction of
phonemes (the sounds that make up words), the correct writing of these
phonemes, combining phonemes in the spelling of words and the rules
that govern spelling, and combining words to write and read sentences.
What
is a phoneme?
A phoneme
is made up of a letter or letters that together make a single sound.
For example, the letter a
makes the short a sound
as in the word at, the
long a sound as in the
word ate, and the
“ah” sound, as in the word
all. The letters
sh make the
sh sound as in the word
shoe.
What will we be doing in class?
Every day,
we will be practicing our phonogram cards to learn the sounds the
phonemes make. Every week, we will practice writing the phonograms.
Later in the year, we will combine the writing of phonograms to form
words. This is taught one or more days per week as a specific
Spalding lesson, and incorporated daily into our reading, spelling,
writing and handwriting activities.
We use a program
called the Spalding Method. Spalding is more than just phonics or
spelling. This program integrates instruction in listening, speaking,
spelling, writing and reading. It is a total Language Arts program that
will help your child become a successful reader! Spalding instruction
involves the use of the following elements:
- Spelling. Your
child will learn symbols that represent common English speech
sounds. Each student will keep a spelling notebook to write words.
This notebook will help your child to develop a basic vocabulary and
help them to learn and use the rules and concepts of the written
language. Spelling is essential because it teaches students how to
read and at the same time explains how the English language works.
- Writing. Your child
will learn to construct quality sentences while applying spelling
and language rules. In turn, by applying their knowledge of sentence
construction they will be able to compose paragraphs in all subject
areas. Each student will analyze his or her own writing to learn to
revise. As they learn to do this, they will become more analytical
readers. Your child's creativity will improve because their mind
will be free to concentrate on the message - not their spelling!
- Comprehension. Your
child will learn to understand and enjoy quality literature as well
as apply characteristics that make a piece of literature exemplary.
Comprehension is essential because it fosters a love of reading and
helps students understand how different passages are organized.
- Philosophy.
Spalding stresses the importance of your child as a learner, and
fosters learning, which will occur throughout your child's life.
Spalding makes use of all of the language arts processes as well as
integrates all other curricular areas. Being a multi sensory and
child-centered approach, the Spalding Method will develop your
child's ability as a listener, speaker, reader and writer.
I am looking forward to
working with you and your child to make this a fun and exciting year. Watch with me as we see your child's growth in spelling,
reading and writing skills as a result of using the Spalding Method.
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