(b) Errors should be anticipated and prevented as far as possible. Create a strong impression of the word at the beginning.
(c) Correct pronunciation, and above all clear enunciation, should be insisted on at all times.
(d) Writing the word on the board or on paper immediately after the oral discussion of it gives the “muscle feel” of the word that is of great importance.
(e) The ancient custom of requiring the writing of words a number of times as a punishment is a crime.
(f) A weekly test should be given. This should consist of words taught during the week, of words previously misspelled by the pupils, of words from the “Demon Books,” or personal lists of the pupils.
Correction of a Word
In the past teachers “corrected” spelling papers solely for the purpose of determining which words were spelled incorrectly. The better thought is to examine spelling papers for the purpose of finding which words are wrong in order to determine why they are misspelled. This helps the teacher because it enables her to place the emphasis on the part of the word which is difficult and tends to prevent further misspelling. Prevent the misspelling of a word at the beginning. Form right habits of spelling rather than attempt to correct bad habits of spelling, should be the slogan of every teacher.
In correcting spelling it should be borne in mind that some words have more than one correct spelling. The child’s spelling should not be called incorrect if it is an approved form. Call his attention to the preferred form, telling him why it is preferred.
Pupil Lists
One method of bringing about this formation of good habits is to have each pupil keep a list of his own “demons.” Each pupil’s list will be different, for many words are “demons” for one pupil but not for another. This list may include root words and derivatives, or only derivative words. Each pupil should be required to keep his own list on which he, personally, may be tested from time to time to see if he has mastered the words that have proved difficult for him to learn. This list should not include the words that have been misspelled accidentally.