Spelling Expectations and Procedures for 1st Grade
Every child will come home with a list of spelling words that follow a pattern. This spelling component
is designed to help students gain a deeper understanding of word patterns. The purpose is not for our
students to memorize each list sent home but to learn the rules of the English language and to be able
to independently apply them in their writing.
Although our goal for students is to learn the rules of the English language, there are words that do not
follow these rules and have to be memorized. These words are known as High Frequency or Sight
Words. Your child is required to know how to read and write the 1st grade High Frequency list by the
end of the school year. Your child will be given 3 High Frequency words per week in addition to the
ten spelling words that follow a pattern.
As part of the spelling component your child will be required to write two sentences as dictated by the
teacher. These dictated sentences will include one of the spelling words given for that week. This
reinforces the idea of students using words within context and not memorizing their words in isolation.
How will the spelling program look in our classrooms?
Monday
Students will be given a pre-test on list “A” consisting of words that include a word family rule for the
week. After the test is given we will discuss the meaning of each word, review letter formations, and
practice word work activities in class throughout the week. If your child scores lower than 90% on the
pre-test, they will be given the opportunity to retest on this same list on Friday. If your child receives a
score of 90% or higher, they will be given the opportunity to take list “B” on Friday. List “B” words will
still consist of the same word family rule for the week.
Friday
Your child will take a spelling test on either list “A” or “B”. I will grade and return their folder for you to
review and sign. This folder will need to be returned on Monday for your child to take their new pre-
test.
***Special Note: If your child receives lower than 90% on list “A” they will not be tested again on the
second list, but you may continue to review this list for additional practice at home.
A Few Suggestions to Make Spelling Fun…
Rainbow Words
Write you're spelling words with a pencil. Trace over the word at least 3 times. Use a different color
each time. Do this for each of your spelling words.
Syllable Count
Write your spelling words down. Then record the number of syllables each spelling word has.
Example: apple=2 (ap ple)
Sentences
Use each of our spelling words in a complete sentence.
Word Frames
Draw a letter frame around each letter in your spelling words. Pay attention to the tall letters and the
letters with tails.
Definitions
Write the definition of each of your spelling words. Use a dictionary.
Picture Funnies
Draw a funny picture that will help you remember how your word is spelled.
Rhyming Words
Write 3 words that rhyme with each of your spelling words. Example: cat- at, mat, sat
Sorting Words
Sort your spelling words in as many ways as you can. Get creative.
Story
Write a story using all of your spelling words. When you write your spelling words use a crayon.
Magazine Hunt
Search through the magazines for your words. Cut them out and write a sentence using the word you
cut out from the magazine.
Good Spellers
• Look for patterns
• Look for word parts
• Try several ways to write a word
• Write sounds in words
• Write a vowel in each word and in each syllable
• Think about words that sound the same
• Think about words that look the same
• Check to see if words look right
• Think about what words mean
• Practice words
• Use a dictionary to check
