“Then listen, my lad. Any one can become a good speller who follows these three rules:
“1. Listen carefully when the word is spoken.
“2. Say it correctly when you speak it.
“3. Look at the word thoughtfully to get an exact picture of it in your mind.
“If you will study every word in your lesson in this way, you will never again have to stay after school to learn your spelling lesson.”
“Thank you, Sire,” said the boy. “I will follow your three rules.”
Twenty-two years later the king received a present of a wonderful book. When he opened it, he found the following words written on the first page:
“This book is gratefully dedicated to
The King
By the boy whom he taught to spell.”
Yes, the boy followed the king’s rules. He learned how to spell and how to write, and now he was one of the greatest writers in the land.
Do you listen carefully while your teacher pronounces each word, or do you write what you think she says?