I'm Lovin' Homework: Spelling



Check out all of the posts in this series here:

Post 1: TEAM Homework

Today is all about Spelling Homework.  I feel like this is the homework that most people will probably be able to relate to, but....is your 


When I think of traditional spelling homework, I think of the teacher having students copy their spelling words from the board and assigning them a task such as "write each word 5 times each" or "write a sentence with each word."  The problem with this?  First, copying the words from the board.  We know that's a tough task in itself.  Words may or may not be spelled correctly and if so, may not be legible.  Second, the assigned task may not be effective for ALL students.
I used to assign all students the same words for the week and use a spelling menu.  I've used lots of different spelling menus but they're all very similar - give the students lots of different ways to practice the words so that there's something for every learning style.  Most of the menus would require students to earn "tic-tac-toe" or a certain number of points, etc.

Now, I still provide students with a spelling menu or some sort of list with a variety of ways to practice their spelling words.  The difference is that I do not require them to complete a certain amount of activities from the menu.  The list is merely there to provide options.  My students keep the list in a clear plastic sleeve in their daily take home folders so that have it as a reference all year long.

I use differentiated lists for my class.  On Mondays I give a pretest.  If students score 80% or higher on the pretest, they receive a more challenging list of words to practice for the week.  Both lists follow the same spelling pattern so that my lessons apply to everyone. 

Instead of copying their words down, I provide the words for students.  In the past I have put both lists on my newsletter and after the pretest students would highlight their list (A or B) for the week.

This year, students will receive spelling cards (very similar to my math game cards) each week.  These cards will be kept on a ring and students will highlight their list on the card each week.  This will allow them to have a running list of their spelling words for the year for continuous practice and review.

I'm a strong believer that some people are just "natural spellers."  Even with differentiated lists, I will have a few students who will not need to study their words at all for the week.  So why should they be required to complete activities to practice spelling those words every single night?  They shouldn't.  The TEAM homework approach allows those students to select other options, rather than spelling, for their homework credits.  LOVE!  I am all about students using their time on meaningful tasks and writing words that you already know how to spelling 5 times each just isn't time well spent - even to make tic-tac-toe. :)

I also believe sending the pretest home is extremely helpful.  It allows parents to see which words students already know how to spell so that time is spent on the unknown words rather than those.

Even if you don't use differentiated lists, the TEAM homework approach allows you to differentiate your spelling HOMEWORK.  Don't require students to spend time practicing something that they don't need to practice!  That's just craziness, I tell ya!  If a student has a strong grasp on this week's spelling pattern, let him/her choose other homework options.  Or, if a student has an "aha" moment after one or two nights of practice, don't require four nights of practice!  It's all about options and making homework fit students' needs.

I hope you've gained several ideas from this homework series.  Tomorrow, I'll have my Budding Bloggers Showcase so I'll be back on Sunday to wrap up this series with a bit about my "extra options."  If you still have questions about this approach, leave them below and I'll answer them as I wrap it up!

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Differentiated-Spelling-for-2nd-Grade-1366944


**I get a lot of questions about my Differentiated Spelling Unit - you can read more about it in my shop HERE.  If you download the preview you actually get an entire week of activities for free to try out. **




15 comments

  1. Your generosity is like a bowl of sea salt caramel dark chocolates....awesomeness!
    Thank you!

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    1. Now THAT is the best compliment ever, friend! :)

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  2. Thanks for all the tips on homework Amanda. I can't wait to see what your spelling program looks like! So many of your products have helped me out so much.
    The Traveling Teacher

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  3. I have really enjoyed your homework series, especially the math post. I had been wanting to go to a "game homework" system, but hadn't figured out exactly how to go about it. I ended up snatching up your Dealing with Math Homework pack. LOVE it! I gave you a shout out on our blog today. :-)

    Crystal
    Teaching Little Miracles

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  4. Love this homework series, Amanda! Thanks!

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  5. This is such a wonderful idea. Thank you for sharing!

    Katie
    Dirty Hands & Lesson Plans

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  6. Love this idea! I use a menu also but I change it out monthly and keep it stapled into a journal type notebook so that it is all kept in there. It is sent home on Mondays and is returned on Fridays. I have tried to find a way to manage differentiated spelling lists... will have to try your ideas for sure!Dirt Road Teacher

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  7. Thanks Amanda for all of your hard work and dedication in giving us a glimpse of your HW procedures. What do you use as a school/homework folder? Do you use a 2 pocket folder or a binder?

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    1. I use a plastic two pocket folder with prongs. I include lots of important info pages (inside of clear plastic sleeves) within the prongs.

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  8. I love your homework series! Do you have a letter or something where you explain how this is different than traditional homework for parents?

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    1. Yes, that is included in my Dealing with Math Homework packets in my shop. :)

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  9. I love you homework! Do you think you will have a first grade spelling?

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    1. I'm thinking about creating one this summer, if time allows!

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  10. Do you have a differentiated spelling unit in your Tpt store yet?

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    1. Yes! I've updated and added a link to it in this post. You can find it in my shop at https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Differentiated-Spelling-for-2nd-Grade-1366944

      If you download the preview you will receive the first week of activities to try out. :)

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Thanks for visiting my blog and sharing ideas! I love to read your comments. I like to reply back by email, so make sure you have that option enabled so we can chat! :)

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