Why Spell With Understanding?
Language itself is a human thing. Humans vary and are full of complexity, inconsistency and creativity. So language is not a system of rules and consistent patterns as though it had one designer with a single logical vision. There are constant forces of diversification and homogenization that make language dynamic. It is a reflection of the ideas, conflicts, tragedies, triumphs, uniqueness and collectivity of the humans that use it. English is no exception.
Spelling With Understanding is a stimulating reference book (like an encyclopedia for spelling!) that approaches spelling from a linguistic perspective to correctly identify where spelling patterns exist and to explain, wherever possible, why spellings deviate from those patterns. The spelling of words begins to make more sense when we understand the derivation of a word (what language the word was derived from) and the morphemes (units of meaning) that the word was built with. This book is for students, teachers and learners of all ages who want to understand the system in which they are being asked to operate.
Objectives
- Teach spelling from a reliable, linguistic approach
- Provide explanations for spelling patterns and exceptions
- Introduce morphemes and emphasize morpheme division over syllable division
- Introduce etymology and impart appreciation for word histories
- Broaden vocabulary
- Equip parents, teachers and students with linguistic insights into spelling
- Make spelling fun!
Excellent Resource for…
- Traditional classroom
- Both spelling and vocabulary
- Homeschooling
- Learning English as a Second Language (ESL)
- Independent learning
What’s in the Book?
- A fresh approach to learning spelling
- Linguistic tools to understand spelling
- Explanations for exceptions to spelling rules
- A brief history of how English developed
- A catalog of roots and affixes
- Tips and tricks for spelling bees
- Keys to spelling hang-ups like silent letters and shape-shifting prefixes
- Robust word lists for each spelling concept, divided by grade level
- An exhaustive list of homonyms and other easily confused words
- Whimsically illustrated word histories
- Differences between American, British & Canadian spelling
- So much more!
