Lippincott's Horn-Ashbaugh Speller For Grades One to Eight

by Ernest Horn; Ernest J. Ashbaugh

This exercise precedes the spelling test because of the importance of pronunciation in the method of study, and because of the probability that this initial attention to the correct form of the word is desirable. Since the pupils undoubtedly learn something as a result of this exercise, they may be expected to make somewhat better scores than those given in the book. These scores are the results of tests given without such a preliminary exercise in pronunciation.

After all the words have been pronounced, have the pupils close their texts and prepare papers for a written test. This test will include the new lesson. It may be written on any sort of paper, the words being written in columns of twenty to correspond to the arrangement of the words in the book. Pronounce each word once only. Pupils should write the words without hesitation. No alterations in the first attempt at spelling the word should be allowed.

After the words have all been dictated, have the pupils exchange papers for the purpose of correcting. Be sure that each pupil understands that he is marking his neighbor's paper, so that errors which have been made may be corrected. Instruct the class to mark a word wrong if it is misspelled, if it cannot be read, or if any change in the first attempt at spelling has been made. Be sure that each pupil understands that, until he is able to write a word correctly the first time, he has not sufficiently learned it.

The words may be corrected on the basis of the teacher's oral spelling or by the book. Each word found to be misspelled should be marked wrong by placing after it an X.

When the papers have been returned to the owners, each pupil should write the correct form of the words which he has misspelled. The words missed on the test will constitute his task for the week.

Tuesday.—On Tuesday the pupils study, each working on his own errors and using the method recommended under directions to pupils. Pupils who made no errors on the test may be excused from this study period, but not from the succeeding test. It frequently happens that a pupil will spell a word correctly on one test and misspell it on a following test.

The teacher should closely supervise the pupils' study in order to insure that proper methods of learning are used. She may also help to direct the work of those who, having made no errors on the preceding test, have been allowed to undertake some other task. The class should not be tested on this day.

Wednesday.—Test on the new and on the review lesson. This review lesson should consist of a lesson taught one month before. Since the first four lessons in each grade are made up of words taught in the preceding grade, these may well be used for the first month as review lessons. The words may be corrected and the errors recorded as on Monday. Compare the number of errors made on this test with those made on the preceding test. This comparison will show the pupil what progress he has made. The remainder of the period may be spent in studying the words missed on this test.

Thursday.—Study as on Tuesday.

Friday.—Test on the new and on the review lesson, correct the papers as on Monday, and spend the rest of the period studying the errors made on this final test. Compare the number of errors made on this test with the number made on the first and second tests. The comparison gives the child a measure of accomplishment for the week. The teacher should check this day's papers in order to have an accurate record of the status of the pupils at the close of the week's work. Many teachers have found it helpful to keep a chart of progress on the blackboard.