School City of MishawakaSpring 2007 Getting Started with Sitton Spelling and Word Skills A Q&A of Tips & Tricks to Facilitate Implementation ~ Grade 2

School City of MishawakaSpring 2007 How does Sitton Spelling and Word Skills differ from a traditional spelling program? Sitton is more than a traditional spelling program. It actually helps teach how words work. Provides regular review of previous words Reinforces integrating words into a childs writing vocabulary Sitton is spelling for life!

What are Core Words? Words students use for word study Words assessed through cloze and dictation assessments Words that are built upon year by year

What are Priority Words? Highest frequency words from among core word list Words students are ALWAYS responsible for spelling correctly (no excuses list)

School City of MishawakaSpring 2007 How do I begin organizing for instruction? Spend time viewing the tutor me tapes Become familiar with the sourcebook Tab sections of the sourcebook for easy reference Prepare black line masters, notebooks, and Priority Word Lists.

School City of MishawakaSpring 2007 What are the components of a typical unit? Word Preview Exercise Express Building Basic Concepts Test Ready Assessments

School City of MishawakaSpring 2007 Basics & Electives

School City of MishawakaSpring 2007 What is the focus of the Build Skills and Word Experiences part of the unit? To help students build: Visual skills Spelling and language skills Basic concepts

School City of MishawakaSpring 2007 What is the focus of the Assess Words and Skills part of the lesson? Assess spelling progress Assess skills application Extend spelling assessment

School City of MishawakaSpring 2007 How do I effectively use the posters? Posted in the classroom for reference Black-line masters for making individual student copies

School City of MishawakaSpring 2007 What materials need to be prepared in advance of the lesson? Teacher selects activities to be completed by students Assemble materials for activities (charts, letter cards, etc.) Copy assessment sheets and parent activity.

School City of MishawakaSpring 2007 How do I know which concepts/activities are the most important for my students to learn? The major concepts of each unit need to be taught. The curriculum map for your grade level should be a guideline for concept focus. Activities are also selected based on student need.

School City of MishawakaSpring 2007 Should I create a spelling list in addition to the cloze, skill, and dictation tests in the program? NO! Sitton is not a word memorization task. It is a word study program.

School City of MishawakaSpring 2007 What is the best way to incorporate the writing skills activities? Priority words must be spelled correctly in all written work. Proofreading skills taught in Sitton lessons can be integrated into writing workshop.

School City of MishawakaSpring 2007 How I determine spelling grades? Everyday writing Cloze tests Dictation tests Skills tests

School City of MishawakaSpring 2007 What information should I share with parents? Philosophy of the Sitton program Word lists Take home task How grades are determined

School City of MishawakaSpring 2007 How do I subscribe to the Sitton newsletter? Go to and click on the E-Newsletter link at the bottom of the page. You will come to this page where you may access the archived newsletters, as well as subscribe to future editions.