Letter combinations are limited. Words with similar letter combinations and sequences can be charted and displayed. Varying ways of representing similar sounds should be explored. The meanings of, and the rules for adding prefixes, suffixes and inflectional endings to root words are generally consistent and regular. Learning to spell is a gradual developmental process.
All students progress through stages which increase in complexity.
As students become more knowledgeable about the English language, their capabilities as spellers improve. For many students, the developmental stages of spelling growth continue into adolescent years. Emerging spellers must feel free to experiment with language and take risks with spelling. When young writers approximate or invent spellings, they practice and apply what they know about letter formation, word structures and the rules of print. Frequent writing experiences extend students' knowledge of the language system.