Sitton Spelling

 How Does the Sitton Program Work?

Our classroom uses the research based Sitton Spelling program.  The Sitton Spelling philosophy is that words aren't really "mastered" until they are spelled correctly in everyday writing.  Many students can memorize words for a "Friday Test" but if there is no transfer to student writing, what's the point? Fourth graders are responsible to learn a fraction of core words from the list of 1200 words.  Words are arranged on the list in the order of frequency of use in everyday writing. In addition, words on the "No Excuses" (Priority Word List) are words that should have 100% mastery for fourth graders.

I will teach spelling lessons and strategies such as spelling rules, phonics, word patterns etc.  Students will have classroom assignments to practice their spelling skills in context. Visual skills are developed and practiced such as proofreading. Several times throughout the year, students will bring home spelling homework for you to complete with this. This will help establish a school to home relationship.  Students will have a spelling folder that they will keep track of their new core words and words that were spelled incorrectly on their previous weeks test.  You will also be able to find the new core words on our website. While the core word list may look easy, remember that these words, they are also the words that might be misspelled or used incorrectly in everyday written work. 

How are students Assessed?

Students are assessed using their everyday writing. Random checks will be made to classroom assignments could be graded for spelling - science, social studies, language arts, math.  Once the core words have been assessed, students will be expected to spell these words correctly.  In addition, a "cloze story" test is given in which students listen to a passage read by the teacher and fill in the missing words in the story.  These words come from the core word and priority word lists.