Word Study... also known as SPELLING

In the article by Cunningham and Cunningham really put into perspective the importance of word study.  They discussed spelling as a main point.  Invented spelling is encouraged at young ages to get students to start creating words based on the sounds of letters.  Children first need to learn letters and the sounds they can make.  As their knowledge of letters increase they can start producing words by incorporating the letters together to form words.  Invented spelling helps children to use the information they know on the sounds of each letter and the sounds that make up a word.  Usually the spelling will be very close or right on depending on the level of student.  Phonics is a huge part of creating words and in return knowing how to pronounce and read with a higher skill level.  Starting small and getting larger helps children build on their spelling and vocabulary skills.  making sure all children are being influenced by the spelling is important, because there are lower level students being left behind because of their insufficient knowledge of letter sounds and sound-letter relationships. These students need guidance with their spelling and word study.  These capabilities are known for helping students in their reading ability and ability to pronounce words correctly in speaking and reading aloud.  The article gives great ideas for word study starting with smaller wording and gradually increasing in difficulty.  Teachers should use word study everyday, in my opinion, especially at younger ages.  I am not a good speller and I feel that it hurts me in reading and writing.  I wish we had focused more on spelling and word study more in my younger years.