Spelling

What is Active Spelling?

Active Spelling is an approach aimed from Year 2 to Year 6, to teach an understanding of spelling and vocabulary. It uses the principles of mnemonics, intended to assist the memory to develop a breadth of vocabulary. It employs a Gradual Release of Responsibility model to ensure that by the end of Key Stage 2, pupils can confidently select an appropriate strategy to learn and retain a spelling pattern.

How is Active Spelling taught?

The Active Spelling approach is devised in four distinctive phases:

Phase One: Recall

Phase Two: Learn

Phase Three: Check

Phase Four: Apply

The spelling sessions are fast-paced, visual and very active. In Key Stage One, the approach of to teaching spelling is more instructive with the teacher heavily modelling their choices on how to learn a new spelling. The following five strategies are taught through the programme:

As the years progress, the Key Stage Two teachers deploy a Gradual Release of Responsibility model, encouraging the children to independently select a method to learn and retain a spelling or spelling pattern.