Pupil Voice - Spelling

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Pupil Voice – Spelling: 16/2/17

All of the children in the school were very articulate regarding what resources they use in spelling. They were all very positive regarding their spelling and all explained how the Secrets of Success (particularly Improve and Push Yourself) were beneficial to their learning. Below you can find comments related to each specific year group.

EYFS

  • All children could discuss the use of pictures and sounds in the classroom to support their learning. They could also explain why pictures were with each letter sound (e.g. Watch for W).
  • They explained about segmenting and blending articulately, and showed a clear understanding of what these terms meant.
  • The use of technology was evident. The children spoke about being chosen to spell words on the Smartboard.
  • They enjoyed the alphabet song as well as choosing their sound of the day
  • All of the children were very positive about spelling and said that they enjoyed it when Mrs Davies and Mrs Fowler played games with them (e.g. the treasure game).

KS1

  • Sound mats are on the tables to help with phonics. These are on tables but the children also know where these can be found in the classroom.
  • Common exception words are available on tables during all English lessons
  • They can use skills learnt in reception (Robot Arms) to help with their spelling
  • They enjoyed putting their spellings into sentences and they were especially fond of the test. They liked to know what score they got.

KS2

  • The children noted that spelling corrections are given in all lessons.
  • They spoke of a range of ‘fun’ spelling activities (rainbow writing; staircase spelling) to encourage spellings.
  • Both classes have resources showcasing the required words for the end of each year group. These can be found in the classroom as well as in their English and Big Write books.
  • Dictionary resources are available and they are encouraged to use them.
  • In Class 3, the use of a siren brings the children’s attention to edit their spelling and they are encouraged to show evidence of this.
  • Spelling starters are used at the start of English lessons. 

General comments from the children regarding spelling:

  • “I like learning new spellings because I know it will help make my writing better” – Erin
  • “I think our teacher helps us to learn and have fun from our mistakes” – Martha
  • “Even though I sometimes struggle with spellings, I still push myself to get better” – Christi

The only improvement the children could see at this point was for them to have a booklet where they could note spelling corrections (their own personal dictionary).

From this, I also discussed with the children about what we could do to promote spelling in the school. We discussed dedicating a whole day to spelling activities in the summer. Below are several of their ideas that we will incorporate into the day:

  • A spelling treasure hunt
  • A Spelling Bee – in teams of KS1 and KS2 children. The children suggested that we could learn the words first and write the words down rather than spell them out in a group.
  • Water guns to hit the correct spelling of a word
  • Water bombs filled with letters