Emphasis on correctness can make young students anxious about writing and exaggerate the challenge or difficulty of spelling. It is important to keep the purpose of conventional spelling in proper perspective. Although accurate spelling is a goal in all writing, conventional spelling is emphasized in writing which is to be shared with or read by others. The knowledge and abilities which constitute spelling competence are varied and complex. Able spellers employ many strategies.
Most students benefit from direct instruction in particular spelling strategies.
The need for instruction and practice varies according to the individual's development as a writer. Some students easily internalize and apply knowledge of complex patterns of print during reading and writing experiences. A silent letter or one syllable might be accented in pronunciation to emphasize certain letters. Letter combinations are limited. Words with similar letter combinations and sequences can be charted and displayed.