What are spelling tests for?

Do you remember those weekly spelling tests?

Do your children have their weekly list that they have to learn that is then quizzed in an oral spelling test done once a week?

Is this productive? Do you know why they do this?

The general idea would be to help them build their vocabulary bank, strengthen their spelling skills – yes?

Is it working?

 

Did you know that spelling tests are primarily designed to teach children how to spell? However, this can only be achieved if we first teach them the rules associated with that spelling list. The enhancement of spelling skills can only happen when we comprehend the reasons behind why certain words are spelled in a specific manner. It is only when we comprehend and know the rule that we can develop our spelling abilities. Teaching children how to spell from memory alone is insufficient, as it only strengthens their memory rather than their spelling ability. Although it is an aspect of spelling development, it should not be the sole focus.

For instance, consider the use of ‘c’ and ‘k’ when spelling words /k/ sound. How do you know when to use with letter? Why is it that "kitchen" is spelled with a ‘k’ and "club" with a ‘c’ yet they both have same /k/ sound?

These are the simple spelling rules we should all know. Because it is only when we have a solid understanding of these that we can then branch out and understand all the exceptions to those rules that will thus leave us confident spellers.

SO what does this mean?

We should be testing children on their knowledge of the spelling rule first before we test them on the list provided. Theoretically, once they know the rule, they would be able to complete a spelling test without even having learned any of the words called out in that oral test.