On pages 63 and 64 are presented lessons consisting of words having i before e, or e before i. After teaching Lessons 45 to 50 inclusive, the words of these lessons should be reviewed as a whole. Other reviews of them should be frequent enough to be sure that the rule is fixed in the child’s mind and is being followed. There is no greater cause for misspelling than the confusion existing because of these two combinations of letters. Careful teaching at this point means much. Lessons 51 to 54, inclusive, are exceptions to the rule and should be carefully noted.
Individual words are constantly occurring which well illustrate the rules that have been taught. Teachers should not fail to take advantage of these opportunities in the teaching part of the lesson.
Building a Vocabulary
Throughout the book every possible opportunity to present root words and derivatives together has been taken. Lessons 6, 8, 9, 13, 20, 30, 55, 67, and many others illustrate this feature. It was not possible to present derivatives in all cases, or to present all that might well be discussed with each root word. A great opportunity for splendid word building exists in connection with the spelling lesson. The resourceful teacher will supply additional words of this class at every opportunity, calling especial attention to any changes of form because of the formation of the derivative. This will mean not only a larger spelling vocabulary but a larger speaking vocabulary.
Teaching synonyms also furnishes a chance to greatly increase the speaking vocabulary.
Demon and Review Words
On page 65 is given another list of “demons” prepared by the authors. The sixth grade teacher should hold herself responsible for this list. Keep on urging and testing until each child has mastered his particular demons. Remember that they are an individual affair and that no two pupils have the same difficulties.
A special review list of common words is also given on pages 84 and 85. This list should be tested from time to time, and a very high percentage of accuracy may reasonably be expected.
Vocabulary
The vocabulary at the end of the work for the grade serves four purposes: