'A Reference for Spelling': £26.95 in A4 ringbinder or £24.95 A4 comb-bound
A Reference for Spelling' is the teacher's version of 'A Personal Spelling Sampler'. It provides the teacher with quick and easy access to often humorous and interesting graded dictations opposite phonically ordered word lists. The lists are separated into the different syllable types on different pastel-coloured paper deliberately chosen to match the colours of highlighting pens. More difficult and less obvious sound patterns are provided on grey paper. White paper is reserved for looking at words in other ways e.g. irregular words, thematic groupings, prefixes and suffixes. There are blank grids at the back for extra words e.g. subject spellings. It includes everything from 'cat, hat, mat' to 'cautious, fictitious, surreptitious'. Reading the dictations can also help with vocabulary.
Both the above books are indexed by spelling pattern with colour-coded
'progress trees' which act as the key to the books. Every sound pattern
in the English language is represented, with comprehensive lists showing
whether a particular pattern is common or not. Because the books are photocopiable,
the teacher can 'mix and match' choosing appropriately from each book according
to need. There are no teaching points (apart from the basic spelling rules)
and they are not intended to be used as a teaching course which is followed
in a prescribed order. The teacher chooses the method and order according
to the needs of the student.