Coping With Spelling

Course details

Learning Objectives

• Understand why dyslexic learners find spelling difficult
• Understand the skills and knowledge needed to spell English words
• Become aware of the underlying principles of spelling instruction
• Become familiar with tools for multi-sensory spelling instruction
• Gain skills in helping dyslexic learners spell phonetic words
• Gain skills in teaching spelling of non-phonetic words
• Become aware of other techniques and tools for building spelling skills

Key Topics

Session 1: Theory

• Why spelling is difficult for dyslexic learners
• Difference between phonetic and non-phonetic words
• Skills and knowledge needed to spell English words
• Underlying principles of spelling instructions for dyslexic learners

Session 2: Practical

• Strategies for spaelling phonetic words
• Learning the closed, open and magic ‘e’ syllables
• Strategies for teaching the spelling of non-phonetic words
• Practice in identifying phonetic and non-phonetic words
• Practice in identifying closed, open and magic ‘e’ syllables
• Other strategies for building spelling skills

Participants must attend both sessions as content covered in session 1 will not be repeated in session 2, and both sessions are linked together. Participants should also have a general knowledge of phonics. Prior attendance at the Understanding Phonics Instruction workshop or its equivalent is preferred.