SPELLING: NECESSARY OR SUPERFLUOUS?

Is there really any need for debate!

Some say that attention the spelling is old hat and the discipline of being able to spell accurately and correctly is not necessary anymore.

In an age of computer technology, they argue that the computer, iPads and similar gadgets provide students with correct spelling options through “spellcheck” and other text-refining devices. Therefore it is not necessary to know how to spell words by heart.

Others argue that in terms of priority, spelling is a basic that no longer needs to be taught. There are other teaching and learning priorities.

Maybe “experts” believe that spelling skills will be acquired by osmosis. Some people genuinely believe that spelling accuracy isn’t essential because corrections for spelling and grammar can be provided by checks inbuilt into attachments for Word documents and others. My personal belief is that that is the lazy way out.

I once had a teacher say to me, “I don’t teach spelling because I don’t like it.” Teaching basics is apparently dull and quite stifling for some people. This overlooks the fact that teaching essential basic understandings is repetitious. Not all learning is tinsel and glitter. However, there is a way of engaging children with spelling that makes it quite exciting and looked forward to. There are numerous spelling games available that can be adapted for classroom use. These can be developed to support and reinforce graduated learning.

Spelling and word appreciation games up also available. This is one area where computer and iPad use can be reinforcing. My contention, however, is that spelling is an area that requires primary teaching. It can’t all be left to children working on devices and acquiring the understanding they need without teaching going into the program.