Learning to Spell: A Manual for Teachers Using the Aldine Speller

by Catherine T. Bryce; Arthur W. Kallom; Frank J. Sherman

Roots and Derivatives

The Aldine Speller has emphasized throughout its text the importance of developing a “spelling consciousness.” A simple list of words is inadequate to accomplish this. The work of the seventh grade continues this development by emphasizing the importance of roots and derivatives. Teachers have been repeatedly urged to present all derivatives whenever the root word has been given. The formal study of roots and derivatives is a large part of the work of the seventh grade. Emphasis should always be given to the part which is already familiar, at the same time calling attention to any changes in the vowel or in the consonant through the formation of the derivative.