Unlike oral communication, reading is not an automatic or naturally acquired skill, and children do not learn to read in the same manner as they learn to speak. Reading requires that children be able to process letter sounds visually. There is a definite connection between reading and spelling, but the skills needed for spelling are more complex than the skills needed for reading or oral communication. Spelling goes a step further and requires that children be able to process phonetic sounds and apply them to letter symbols in order to form visual-phonological connections that can be reconstructed in oral and/or written form. This book presents and discusses topical data on spelling skills.

The B on Your Thumb is a book of rhymes and delightful ditties to boost early reading. Each rhyme teaches a particular sound, spelling or rule, and will delight young children with the silliness of the English language.

"English is so illogical!" It is generally believed that English is a language of exceptions. For many, learning to spell and read is frustrating. For some, it is impossible... especially for the 29% of Americans who are functionally illiterate. But what if the problem is not the language itself, but the rules we were taught? What if we could see the complexity of English as a powerful tool rather than a hindrance? --Denise Eide Uncovering the Logic of English challenges the notion that English is illogical by systematically explaining English spelling and answering questions like "Why is there a silent final E in have, large, and house?" and "Why is discussion spelled with -sion rather than -tion?" With easy-to-read examples and anecdotes, this book describes: - the phonograms and spelling rules which explain 98% of English words - how English words are formed and how this knowledge can revolutionize vocabulary development - how understanding the reasons behind English spelling prevents students from needing to guess The author's inspiring commentary makes a compelling case that understanding the logic of English could transform literacy education and help solve America's literacy crisis. Thorough and filled with the latest linguistic and reading research, Uncovering the Logic of English demonstrates why this systematic approach should be as foundational to our education as 1+1=2.

This volume includes chapters by a number of leading researchers in the area of reading and spelling development. They review what is currently known about both normal and impaired development of decoding, comprehension, and spelling skills. They also consider recent work on the remediation of reading and spelling difficulties in children and discuss effective remedial strategies.

Helping Children with Reading and Spelling contains a basic kit of suggestions to help children who struggle with learning to read and spell. The materials build on the content of an earlier manual, Learning Difficulties in Reading and Writing, which has been widely and successfully used by teachers. The detailed teaching sequences, combining the enjoyment of content with the more systematic practice of subskills, which were particularly appreciated in the earlier volume, have been further developed here. The book is consistent with: * English National Curriculum Programmes of Study, and * the Code of Practice on the Identification and Assessment of Special Educational Needs. Teachers using the manual will be following the school-based stages of intervention recommended by the Code and will be providing, when necessary, an invaluable basis for further action. Its practical A4 format, photocopiable materials and case examples make this an invaluable handbook for day to day use in the classroom.

How do children learn to spell and what kinds of teaching support them most effectively? Based on a three-year longitudinal study of children's spelling in different primary classrooms, Olivia O'Sullivan, Assistant Director of the Centre for Literacy in Primary Education and Anne Thomas, the former Inset Director of the Centre for Literacy in Primary Education, pose a number of important questions: what kinds of knowledge are involved in spelling? what are the links between learning to read and learning to spell? what kinds of systematic teaching and interventions make a difference to children's progress? Packed with case studies, photographs and examples of children’s work, this unique book sets out the most effective approaches to spelling and provides teachers with a broad set of principles on which to base their teaching. This is an invaluable resource for any teacher or trainee teacher wishing to raise standards in spelling in their classroom.