If all teachers of all subjects started to model the act of spelling in their written work (board work or supporting pupils in their writing) as the segmentation process that most of us follow when we spell, then the ABC phonics stuff becomes the acceptable practice of the ‘whole school’ and not just a process for the strugglers.
The many average pupils who are not that robust at reading and spelling – especially new vocabulary – would be enormously supported in lessons if all teachers knew about the alphabetic code and whole schools adopted reference charts with the alphabetic code overview for everyone to understand ‘commonly’ – teachers, teaching assistants, pupils and parents. Teachers, once again, should take responsibility for supporting pupils in spelling, drawing attention to wrong spelling (for example, subject-specific spelling). How are pupils ever to know if they have spelt words incorrectly if no one ever points this out?
In conclusion
I suggest that with the right determination, and with robust systematic spelling programmes which include alphabetic code overview charts, and a regular ring-fenced spot on the timetable (daily at first reducing to twice a week when appropriate), then spelling can definitely be taught well and pupils can definitely make improvements. And what greater gift could there be for raising self-esteem, raising standards, and increasing life chances?
I wrote this article over three years ago.
How much has changed in our teaching methods for teaching spelling since then?
I advocated that every classroom should include a main spelling reference visual aid in the form of an 'Alphabetic Code Chart' to support the teaching of spelling across primary and secondary.
Is there an Alphabetic Code Chart in your child's classroom which illustrates the rationale of the many spelling alternatives which ARE CODE FOR the various sounds of speech?
If you are a teacher, is there an Alphabetic Code Chart in your classroom and in your colleagues' classrooms?
If you are a teacher in a secondary school, are you using Alphabetic Code Charts to support spelling in your school?
Teachers: Are you sending a small version of the Alphabetic Code Chart to your pupils' parents?
If you are a parent and there are no Alphabetic Code Charts in your child's classroom, consider printing off a version from the free Unit 1 of Phonics International (see the 'Free Resources' webpage) and take one into your child's school to raise awareness of their use.
I am very pleased to say that since writing the article above, Oxford University Press states that the Alphabetic Code Chart is the 'heart of' the Oxford Reading Tree Floppy's Phonics Sounds and Letters programme.
This has resulted in the Alphabetic Code Chart being adopted in many classrooms in the UK.
Now Phonics International has published Table-Top Alphabetic Code Charts which you can view on the 'Buy Extra Resources' webpage in a ready-made form.
We are totally committed, however, to continuing to provide a range of FREE Alphabetic Code Charts which you can print.
Has progress being made since writing the article about spelling?
Yes - to an extent.
Some Universities are using Phonics International Alphabetic Code Charts to support their student-teachers' understanding of the alphabetic code.
There is even reference to the Oxford School Improvement video clip in which I refer to the need for Alphabetic Code Charts and Alphabet Posters for teaching reading in Ofsted (inspection) long-distance trainee inspectors' material!
"The difference between the Alphabet and the Alphabetic Code"
http://www.oxfordschoolimprovement.co.u ... e-alphabet