Miss Crachi's Website: Language Arts

Language Arts

All About Me Links	Country Report	Literature
Links	Spelling	Writing/Grammar

Language Arts: Literature

We go to the library once a week for reports or free-read books (more when we are doing projects).

We read the novel, The Book of Three by Lloyd Alexander. It is the first book in his series of the adventures in Prydain. It is a fantasy book and it is along the lines of The Lord of the Rings books. Other books in the series are, The Black Cauldron, The Castle of Llyr, Taran Wanderer, and The High King. Alexander also wrote The Foundling and Other Tales of Prydain, along with many other books.

Language Arts: Spelling

Students are introduced to a new spelling list each week. We go over the words in class, including pronunciation, definitions, patterns in the list, rules if applicable, and ways to remember how to spell them. I do not give spelling homework. By sixth grade, I think students each know their best way to remember spelling words. The spelling test will be every Wednesday (exceptions noted on the Edline calendar and in class).

Spelling Lists

Spelling Lists 1-6
Spelling Lists 7-12
Spelling Lists 13-18
Spelling Lists 19-24

Here are some ways to learn and practice spelling words (many ideas are from the students):

Write the words several times.

Do a practice spelling test. A parent says the words, one at a time, and the student writes it down. The parents will then correct the words and the student should write the wrong words several times (you decide how many). Another practice test later would be beneficial. When saying the words, it should be word, sentence, word. (ex: "Accept. Please accept my gift. Accept.")

Have a spelling bee and see how many words your child can spell aloud.

Trace the words.

Break the word into syllables to make it easier. (ex.: "continue": con-tin-ue)

Use mnemonics - a trick to remember a hard spelling word (ex.: In February, we say "brrr" because it's cold.)

say the word how it sounds, not how it's spelled (ex.: for "vegetable": veg-et-able; "together": to-get-her)

Write all words several times.

Practice Your Spelling List: a site to practice your spelling words

Spelling City: put in your spelling words and take a quiz or play games with the words

Spelling Strategies