Period.
I personally despised spelling tests in my
school days (even though I did well on them). I never understood the
point, for the very reasons mentioned in this article. This
is how my children are learning to spell...they read....and they read a
LOT! And guess what books are comprised of? words...even "spelling"
words. I would venture to say that my 10 year old is an extraordinarily
strong speller....possibly even stronger than her mom (who is an
English Major:), and I sincerely mean that. Spelling words correctly
may not come quite as naturally for my 8 year old (yet), but guess what?
She recognizes when something doesn't look right, and she asks
questions or looks it up herself, to verify the spelling.
So, there you have it folks, I do not, and have no intentions of ever
giving my children "spelling tests" (or vocabulary tests, and again, as
my girls are reading or as we are conversing, or if they hear a word on
tv, (you get my point, words are always available to learn and grow from
in a very natural setting;), if they don't know the meaning of
something....they ask...and then they remember, because it holds meaning
for them).
Now, this may change as they get older, and we
get into more science, etc....."scientific" words may not come quite as
naturally.....but we'll certainly make it as natural and interesting and
fun as possible!)
The End:)
here's a homeschool article that triggered my post (in addition to a parent's recent post about how his son is struggling with spelling in school):
http://theconversation.com/why-some-kids-cant-spell-and-why-spelling-tests-wont-help-20497
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