The Teaching of Spelling

Spelling is not a list of words to memorise. It is an active process of discovery, and one of the most important skills a teacher can support. First published by the Victorian Department of Education in 1984 and now revised and updated for contemporary classrooms, The Teaching of Spelling remains one of the most practical and clearly written guides available for primary teachers. Authors Heather Fehring and Valerie Thomas draw on decades of research and classroom experience to show teachers how children actually develop as spellers, and what they need at each stage of that development.

From the earliest foundations of phonological and orthographic awareness through to morphemic knowledge, evaluation strategies and the explicit teaching of dictionary skills, this book offers teachers a clear, research-informed framework alongside a rich range of practical activities. Updated to align with the Australian Curriculum Version 9.0 and the Year 1 Phonics Check, it balances the science of spelling with the reality of busy classrooms. Whether you are new to teaching spelling or looking to sharpen your approach, this revised second edition gives you everything you need to help students become confident, competent writers.