At the beginning of every school year, I must hear the words, “How do you spell….” at least 20 times a day from my second graders. No joke! If you teach primary students, you can certainly relate! That ALL changes after I read aloud this story to them! They are no longer allowed to ask how to spell a word, without using a spelling strategy that I taught them! I actually hear my students tell each other, “Remember what Xander did? Stretch out the word!” It is so cute….and such a powerful way to encourage independence with their writing.
The story begins by Xander’s teacher asking the class to write about their favorite weekend activity. Xander wants to write about eating waffles as a family. However, he does not know how to spell some words and has to ask his friends for help. They give him some great ideas, such as clap out the syllables. Xander quickly learns that writing can be a lot of fun when he stops relying on his peers and instead independently uses the spelling strategies. The story ends with Xander encouraging the reader to be confident in their own writing.
Check out my newest video by clicking below! I wrote this book as a unique way for my students to be able to learn the importance of using spelling strategies so they can become an independent writer and not have to rely on asking the teacher or their friend how to spell every unfamiliar or challenging word.
Click here to watch on Teachers Pay Teachers:
Teaching Spelling Strategies to Your Young Authors
Click here to watch on YouTube:
Teaching Spelling Strategies to Your Young Authors
Or, you can purchase the book by clicking here:
