Thursday, November 6, 2008

say it, spell it, say it


Yannick has his first spelling test tomorrow. His list of words include:
•nada
•solo
•el oso
•el nené
•el mono

In preparation for this quiz, we’ve employed the very same game plan my dad used with more than 30 years ago. It includes writing each word on an index card, with the definition on the back of the card, or in Yannick’s case---- the English translation; then using these flashcards me, Loverman and Miss Olivia take turns reviewing the spelling of each word using say it, spell it, say it method.

I don’t know if it’s true or not, but I remember my dad telling me that this is the method used my the Scripps Spelling Bee folks and to be honest, even though it used to drive me crazy, I am a very good speller. It seemed only natural for me to employ the same method when Olivia started learning how to spell a few years ago and since she and Yannick are learning in Spanish it’s made learning to spell even easier because Spanish words are spelled just they way they sound.

So, let’s wish the little guy well. He’s studied hard and is really prepared, so I guess the moral of this story is----- If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it and say it, spell it, say it.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

I love that we can remember the tips and tricks from the old school. My son had his first spelling test on Friday and while reviewing his words, I told him the best way to remember is to say it, spell it and say it again! I don't know about Scripps, but I can tell you it's what worked in my childhood and my mom won a few spelling bees in her youth, so the basics definitely have great value. He aced his first spelling test!

Mango Mama said...

Hi! Thanks for stopping by. Yannick aced his first spelling test also, so I think he's now convinced that say it, spell it, say it actually works.