Spelling Books

There's debate (and scientific evidence to back up a particular theory) about whether a person becomes a good speller through:
-genes
-spelling tests
-silent reading
-reading aloud
-certain spelling curriculum
-spelling lists
-dictation
-spelling anthologies
-using spellchecker
-copywork
-textbook assignments about spelling
-listening to books being read aloud
-learning spelling rules

Personally, I think it is a combination of auditory, visual and linguistic skills and has a component of "natural aptitude" as well. I've always liked the idea of a personal spelling vault...a place to hold all the words that once were a mystery but now are familiar. I purchased index cards and a pouch but we found that difficult to use. ANSWER-these inexpensive lightweight, thin booklets!

Anytime the kids need to ask me how to spell a word they are expected to write it in their booklet for future reference. Over the past year, there's been complaining about this but as they've started to collect words, they are seeing the benefit! I've even seen them getting their booklet off the shelf to look something up! I like the connections they are making by using these booklets. You can find them here.