Targeted Independent Practice | Spelling
Do spelling worksheets work? It depends.
First, it depends upon a teacher’s thoughts about independent worksheets. Most of us have grown up with the notions that only bad or lazy teachers use worksheets, that they involve “drill and kill” practice, and that students hate them or find them “boring.”
To disabuse us of these notions, I turn to Dr. Tim Shanahan, Professor Emeritus University of Chicago and Research Lead on the National Reading Panel to get his take on using independent seatwork, such as worksheets.
Like most professors, I have long looked askance at worksheets and their role in reading instruction (though I had relied upon them as a teacher). These newer studies (e.g., Amendum, et al., 2024), suggest that they are not as bad as we have been led to believe (Taylor, et al., 2005). Good teachers often use a mix of direct instruction along with some practice sheets. (Shanahan’s Comments).
Of course we all believe that direct, explicit, whole-class instruction should be our priority, but some small group and individualized work is necessary to differentiate instruction, and it certainly makes sense that the independent worksheets and/or activities we use in our classrooms can help maximize learning.
Second, it depends upon the spelling worksheet. I’ve found that independent worksheets practice, targeted to specific, diagnostically-assessed spelling pattern deficits, coupled with a rigorous grade-level spelling program can be a game-changer. And spelling pattern worksheet practice should conclude with formative assessment to determine mastery.
Spelling is especially well-suited to diagnostic differentiation and independent practice. My affordable program includes a comprehensive diagnostic, and worksheets with concise definitions, clear examples, spelling sorts, and and writing practice. Not all of your students need to practice the i before e spelling pattern, but some do. Targeted Independent Practice | Spelling will help you pinpoint and teach to assessed spelling needs. Each spelling pattern worksheet includes a formative assessment. Grades 3 on up.
Targeted Independent Practice
My Targeted Independent Practice series supports teachers with quality assessment-based independent learning. Each program includes 1. A comprehensive diagnostic assessment to determine student needs 2. Targeted worksheets corresponding to the specific diagnostic test components 3. Formative assessments to determine mastery. View each program in its entirety.
*** Reading Fluency and Comprehension
*** Grammar, Usage, and Mechanics
*** Executive Function and Study Skills
Not sure if your students need interventions? Download the free Targeted Independent Practice Diagnostic Assessments and let the data inform your instructional decision-making.