Welcome

The purpose of this site is to provide teachers with information on current research regarding spelling and word work. Saskatchewan curriculum connections indicate what learners are expected to be able to know and do and identifies what skill sets they need by the end of the grade.

Our Saskatchewan curriculum does not address instructional approaches to spelling or word work, however it does address the gradual release or responsibility, which infers that there is explicit instruction, modelling, varied teacher support, and individual practice. It is the intent of this site to provide teachers with information so they can make the best decision regarding the instructional approach they chose to implement in their classroom when addressing graphophonic cues and conventions.

Saskatchewan curriculum does identify resources that can be used to support graphophonic instruction in the classroom: Richard Gentry's //**The Science of Spelling: The Explicit Specifics That Make Great Readers and Writers (and Spellers),**// as well as **//Nelson Spelling//**. It is clearly understood from the Ministry that using a "spelling" text alone, such as //**Nelson Spelling**//, is not to be used as the main instructional resource, and that teaching spelling goes beyond memorizing a list or words each week.

~ GSSD Literacy Coaches