Dear

parents,

This year we have adjusted our spelling instruction at the elementary
schools in District 145. For the past few years, we have been using the
Words their Way program for our K-5 spelling instruction.

Kindergarten and 1st grade are now using a new program from Fountas
and Pinnell called Word Study. This provides common lessons for all
students in whole group and a strong foundation in understanding
words in the primary levels. Words their Way resources will be used in
2nd through 5th grade. Students will again participate in whole group
lessons on the same spelling rules.

Students will continue to do activities such as sorts and word work
during the day and spelling lists will come home for students to practice
their words. Even if students tested into higher groups in the past,
overall student writing showed that spelling rules were not being
mastered beyond their weekly lists. By having all students in one grade
level work on the same lists, some students will be practicing their
spelling while others will be mastering grade level expectations.
Previously, students have not applied their learning beyond a weekly
list. Please know the goal of spelling is for students to learn the word
patterns and rules then carry it over into their own writing.

If you have questions, please talk to your child’s teacher.