We have been using Sequential Spelling for almost three weeks now, and I’m very pleased with it. We are definitely reinforcing phonics through spelling, which was my goal. Instead of learning specific words, we are studying word patterns within the language, but in the reverse of reading study. In reading study, the child sees the word pattern and then learns what it sounds like. In Sequential Spelling, the child hears the sound of the word pattern and then learns how to properly write it down.
This spelling program is, for us, the perfect addition to our work based on language-mastery goals.
As far as teaching spelling goes, the protocol is pretty simple. Read the word aloud. Say it in a sentence. Say the word alone again. Pretty simple.
Actually, there is also a color-coded method of writing the word down in front of the child so that the proper spelling is reinforced while also highlighting the pattern within the word that is the actual object of study, but even that is pretty simple once you’ve done it once or twice.
For the most part, the instructor is making up his own sentences. But, there are tests. And when I read through them, I was scandalized by the sentences.
Actually, that is an exaggeration. I just love the word scandalized and rarely have an opportunity to use it.
Ahem.
But here is a sampling:
Shoving. A bully is always shoving others around. Shoving.
Exploded. She really exploded. Exploded.
Fighting. Those kids are always fighting. Fighting.
Half. I liked math about half the time. Half.
Squealing. They are always squealing their tires. Squealing.
I really don’t understand the point of bringing up a negative attitude toward mathematics during spelling time. And I didn’t even get to the part where there are three or four days using various conjugations of the verb “to mug.”
I would say that all of these sentences are reinforcing bad behaviors and a general negative outlook on life. As teachers, we have to take every opportunity to pour love and goodness and truth and beauty into the little ones. This is our solemn calling.
I attended school in the inner city for three years growing up. I understand that it is a hard culture; I saw that first hand as a child. But part of what causes folks to get stuck in the inner city culture is a complete lack of imagination. These children cannot imagine that anything beautiful exists, that peace is possible, that there is a love that is incorruptible.
Spelling is one more opportunity to reach into the child’s soul and assist them in imagining a good life, and this is just as important in the home school as it is in the institutional schools.
So what if, instead, these sentences were used:
Shoving. The hero was shoving her out of the way so as to protect her from the oncoming car. Shoving.
Exploded. The fireworks exploded into a million beautiful colors. Exploded.
Fighting. Earlier generations did the fighting for the freedoms we now enjoy. Fighting.
Half. There was only one candy bar, so the sweet little boy gave his sister half. Half.
Squealing. The children were so excited that they were squealing like little piglets. Squealing.
Here we have a test covering the same words, but we have pulled out all of the darkness and replaced it with ideas that are beautiful, or lasting, or somehow more beneficial.
This is where the teacher in the public schools has a measure of power. Curricula are so constricting from what I hear, and yet something like this is so easily done. A mere twist to the test while covering the exact same ground. I plan to change the word “mug” to “chug” and discuss trains which are happily chugging along. Any teacher using this book can take its wonderful ideas and utilize them in a way that is not held captive by a toxic culture.
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