It depends. Sometimes I'll spell it for them. Sometimes I'll do them they should be able to figure it out if they think hard. The only time I have kids ask me to spell something though is on a test.
One of my complaints right now is that I don't have any dictionaries in my room!
ETA: Sometimes dictionaries are a pain though. If the student isn't spelling the start of the word correctly, it can take them forever to find the word.
I always asks students to sound the word out. Most of the time they're able to get the word on their own that way. After they at least try to spell it on their own, I then give them the correct spelling. I don't think a lot of kids were ever taught how to spell in their elementary education, so a lot of middle school and high school kids have appreciated this spelling strategy. It may seem simple to us, but a lot of kids still need to learn it!
I teach in English and almost every single student I have English is a second language. Usually I tell them "try your best", especially if it's a word we've used and written before. For medium-hard words, I might spell it out loud. For hard words (a word with "ph" or "gh" or "ough" etc) I write it on the board.
Sometimes before starting a writing exercise I write a few key words on the board that the kids might use. That way they can look up and see how to spell them.
I always asks students to sound the word out. Most of the time they're able to get the word on their own that way. After they at least try to spell it on their own, I then give them the correct spelling. I don't think a lot of kids were ever taught how to spell in their elementary education, so a lot of middle school and high school kids have appreciated this spelling strategy. It may seem simple to us, but a lot of kids still need to learn it!
Agreed. I know our elementary school gave spelling lists and tests, but they didn't teach spelling.
I have students try to spell words first but then I will just give them the correct spelling.
If I notice that a student is hung up by a word (and won't move on), I will spell the word for them or just write it because I want them to continue on in the writing process.
I always prompt students to sound out the word with invented spelling. I think it helps them later on in life and and they are able to apply phonemic awareness skills.
If it's early in the writing process, I tell them to just write it the best the can "for now". No need to stop the flow.
If it's during an activity short enough that a student looking it up would be a problem, I often spell for them. I don't want to give them the impression it doesn't at all matter.
For more formal writing they are to look it up in a book or online.
Do you spell for students?
