Homophones or Homonyms
Homophones, or as they are more commonly called, homonyms, are words spelled differently but pronounced alike. Throughout the text of this book they have been purposely kept apart. Investigation strongly points to the conclusion that they should be kept apart until the correct spelling has become a fixed habit, and the ability to use them correctly in sentences reasonably sure. In order that no confusion as to the proper use of a homophone may arise in the child’s mind, it should be presented in a phrase, or still better in a complete sentence. In dictating words it should never be taken for granted that the child knows which one of a pair of homophones is meant. A sentence should be given to show which one is required. Spelling there correctly in a column of words does not necessarily mean that the word would be spelled correctly in a sentence. If the child always hears it in its proper setting there will be a tendency always to see it in this setting with the correct spelling naturally following.