Web Resource for Language Arts: Spelling

Hey Everyone!

I have been searching around the web for some good resources and I have found a good one. This website is called Kids Know It Network. This website is full of great material from many different subject areas. Depending on which subject area you choose, you can find activities, videos, games, information, webs, etc. I have chosen to use this website for Grade 3 Language Arts in the area of spelling. It would meet the following objectives from the Evergreen Curriculum:

Reading

• Apply cueing systems to construct meaning
• Begin to develop word attack strategies

Writing

• Develop and demonstrate an understanding of written language conventions including:
  • spell many high frequency words correctly and use a strategy to learn to spell new words
• Revise to accommodate new ideas and information
• Identify personal accomplishments and set goals

Representing

• Use a variety of verbal and visual features to enhance communication

I would have the Grade 3's each week choose their own spelling lists of 15 words based on certain words I have chosen as well as words that interest them from books they are reading and assignments they are doing in class. The students will write out the words they want on their lists and bring them to me to be approved. Once their lists have been approved they will go to the Kids Know It Network website and click on the Our Spelling Website link. The students will then select the option to build their own spelling lists and type out their spelling words into this list and give it a title. The students will then save and print out their spelling lists. Once they have their spelling lists generated this website will use this list in many different spelling activities. I would allow the students 15 minutes each day to sign onto the computers to play a spelling activity to practice their spelling words. At the end of the week the students will get into partners and test each other on their spelling words.

Using this web resource would be beneficial to the students because they can create their own spelling lists online. By having the students write out their words and then create an online list will help them practice and reinforce the spelling of their chosen words. Not to mention having the list on the computer and printed out makes it a neat and organized way to do spelling. From writing out their lists, typing them on the computer, doing online assignments with their spelling words, and writing out a spelling test will ensure that the students will gain practice in both writing out their words and typing them out. This way they get the best of both worlds. The students will also get to practice and learn their spelling words through interactive, fun, and exciting online activities. The students will probably not even realize they are learning and chances are they are going to remember how to spell the words better because they are using them in a way that is relevant to them.

I found this resource to be really cool and I am looking forward to using it with my students. I hope that you can take my idea and use it as well. Good luck!