When “carrying” tens or hundreds in addition or multiplication calculations, some children find it helpful to write both digits under the answer line, for example, 25 +160 41 11 This makes it clear to see which digit goes where.
Sandra Woodman Tyning Hengrove School, Bristol
A simple way to adapt or create a spelling scheme is to make an onset and rime matrix with the children.
hop ham have hot top tip tick tap shop ship shoe she stop star story still Select several words with a consistent rime (the part of a one-syllable word beginning with the vowel), eg, op. Can the children think of any more? For each of these ask them to suggest words with the same onset (the part before the vowel). You end up with a grid of words, in the most part created by the children. The size of the grid depends on the age and ability of the children.
The “rime” words could come from published schemes or reading books, such as the Dr Seuss range. The grids can be used as a traditional spelling list for teaching and learning .
The children’s attention is now automatically drawn to the effectiveness of onset and rime analogy for spelling. I have found this useful for children who have difficulties.
Craig Tallon Language Co-ordinator Goldbeaters JMI School Edgware, Middlesex
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