Our school system teaches first graders to "stretch spell" (see http://mrshess.org/stretchspell.html for details). This is supposed to lead children to use conventional spelling, however, I am not really seeing this transition with my students as quickly as when we simply taught conventional spelling. I am wondering which method of teaching spelling your school uses and what are your thoughts on this subject? We use a word wall, interact with it, have sight word practice nightly, and yet, my students continue to misspell sight words using the "stretch spelling" method they learned in Kindergarten. I am anxious to hear your thoughts on this topic and see if you have any ideas for helping first graders become SUPER SPELLERS! :0)
