Written Spelling
Ability to spell a word means the carrying out of certain habits which have already been formed. If these habits are right then the word is spelled correctly. If children have not formed the right set of habits, if their pronunciation is wrong, if their mental picture is distorted, if imperfect vision causes them to see the word indistinctly, if their hearing is not normal, or if the coördination of the muscles is poor, any or all of these things will lead to the misspelling of a word. It is highly important, therefore, that the first impression which the pupil gets of the word shall be a correct one. That first impressions are lasting must be continually kept in mind. The method of teaching will help or hinder the getting of this correct impression.