Invented Spelling and Things to Come

This week, the children will begin to learn what we call, "invented spelling."  We are starting with a key word, and will move on into more than one word when we are ready.  This is their chance to put the letter sounds they know to use, primarily in their journals. 

Invented spelling is the beginning stage of spelling/writing.  It is important NOT to correct the mistakes they make at this time by asking them to erase and change.  I do like to show them the correct spelling, while acknowledging all the sounds they found in their version.  It is common for them to omit vowels at this time and to include only the first and last sounds in a word or the middle sound if it is strong.  For example, "monkey," might look like "mke," which is GREAT!  I would show them "monkey," and praise them for hearing the m, k, and e sound on the end.

I look forward to hearing stories about them spelling at home and using these skills in their daily lives.

Coming up...syllables, and the math concept of more, less, the same.