We use the Sitton spelling program. This is a spiraling program where students don't learn words for a Friday test and then forget them. The program is based on the most commonly used words in the English language. Each unit, there are 5 focus words. Work is done with these words in the unit and a test is given where students are expected to know other words besides those focus words. Much of the program focuses on using the appropriate homonym in context. Students have a list of Words to Learn that they should study each night. Misspelled words from their writing as well as Word Previews and past tests are what comprise the Words to Learn lists.
Another part of the program checks a student's ability to spell the Priority Words correctly. Any piece of work, no matter the subject area, should be checked for these priority words before being passed in. We can, at any time, check any piece of work for these words. If students spell all of the words correctly, they receive a 100 for that assignment. If not, the grade is a zero in the grade book. It is important that students check all work for these words.
Priority Words
a how so
about I some
after if than
all in that
also into the
an is their
and it them
another its then
any just theirs
are know there
around like there’s
as little these
at long they
back look they’re
be made think
because make this
been man three
but many through
by may time
called me to
came more too
can most two
come much up
could must use
day my very
did new was
do no water
does not way
down now we
each of were
even on what
find one when
first only where
for or which
from other who
get our will
go out with
good over words
had part work
has people would
have right write
he said you
her same your
him see you’re
his she
