Instructional time is so precious. As a teacher of 7th grade struggling readers, there is always a dilemma about how to help students in all areas of need in the designated 50 minute time period. Unfortunately, holding students accountable for spelling is usually low on the priority list. On the one hand, technology has helped greatly in this area. The miracle of “spell check” catches many errors. And yet, the act of writing words can often help reinforce how to decode words.
For me SpellingCity.com has come to the rescue. SpellingCity allows you to develop your own word list. The teach function pronounces the word, spells it, and then provides a sentence to help students understand the meaning of the word. While the sentences do not provide many context clues to help with the meaning, this is an area easily supplemented in class. The site provides a number of reinforcing games including word searches, crossword puzzles, fill in the missing letters, matching activities, and Hang Mouse. Hang Mouse happens to be my 7th graders favorite. As your guesses diminish, the cat slowly awakens, moves, and then extends its claws. It is fun to watch my “cool” 7th graders become engaged with reinforcing games. Many of these games can also be printed for use in Activity Centers.
You can also link your lists to your web site so students can easily access it at home for homework practice. It is worth checking out!
Thank you for introducing me to http://www.spellingcity.com. I have also used it to reinforce spelling patterns with my 6th and 7th graders and they love it! I find that using technology in any way can really motivate and reinforce students in the classroom.
Thanks Again!