SpellEx by MultiLit

A language-based approach

Spelling is a vital component of literacy. The ability to spell well improves writing fluency and reading, and positively impacts vocabulary.

SpellEx teaches children why words are spelled the way they are, going beyond relying on visual memorisation.

Spelling lists are often used to teach primary students spelling. As seen in the Nomanis (Issue 14) article by Dr Alison Madelaine, ‘Weekly spelling lists – are they a good idea?’, spelling lists fail to provide “... in-depth instruction around the nature of the English language to assist children in their understanding of how the system works”. Whilst spelling practice is important, research has shown that it is more effective to provide explicit spelling instruction to help students understand why words are spelled the way they are.

Explicit instruction in phonology, orthography and morphology gives children a deeper understanding of spelling within the greater context of the English language. This allows for generalisation when faced with unfamiliar words.

With a strong focus on suffix rules and word origins, SpellEx integrates phonological, orthographic and morphological strands in every lesson.

Download the Scope and Sequence

Contrary to popular belief, English spelling is more logical and regular than we think. Nearly 50% of English words are spelled based on regular letter⁠–⁠sound relationships. About 34% are regular except for one sound and 12% can be spelled using word origin and meaning.

This means that spelling can be learned by understanding the patterns and conventions that govern the English language.

Dr Alison Madelaine explains the importance of teaching spelling effectively.

Learning about the ‘why’ and ‘how’ through explicit instruction brings spelling to life. The program is designed to be engaging and interactive!

SpellEx engages students through:

a range of whole-class and independent activities that help children unravel the mysteries of spelling, with characters such as Stella the Super Speller and Eddy the Editor to help along the way
detailed lessons with active student participation
differentiated resources for targeted practice.

Let’s hear from teachers and students about their SpellEx experience.

2-characters2

Phonology, orthography and morphology

When we spell, we rely on our knowledge of phonology, orthography and morphology. Triple Word Form Theory suggests that we integrate these three language components from the very beginning of learning to spell. Rather than focusing on the memorisation of individual words, SpellEx teaches children how to draw on the phonological, orthographic and morphological properties of words.

In the video below, Dr Alison Madelaine explains the SpellEx approach to spelling.

Success with SpellEx

Teaching spelling can be challenging.

SpellEx makes spelling instruction simple for teachers with the lessons and accompanying activities ready to go. Teachers using SpellEx have reported that their own spelling knowledge has significantly improved since delivering the program.

MultiLit’s professional development workshop ensures educators are confident in how to implement the program in their school.

The one-day SpellEx workshop provides an overview of the program, its resources and instructional techniques. Teachers will take away strategies for successfully and effectively delivering the program, whilst gaining an understanding of the research rationale of the spelling approach used in SpellEx.

Training in SpellEx is compulsory prior to implementation of the program to ensure quality of delivery.

What is in the SpellEx Kit

The SpellEx Kit comes with all the materials needed to present whole-class lessons, support and extension mini lessons and the resources to set up additional activities.

The Kit includes a Teacher’s Manual and eight Handbooks with fully scripted lessons.

The Kit also comes with the first set of Student Workbooks to use during the teacher-led lessons as well as for independent practice.

SpellEx provides downloadable resources, available from the Members’ Area of the MultiLit website. These resources include:

Lesson Presentation slides
Top-Ups which provide short, sharp revision sessions
Consolidation worksheets
Supporting lesson resources (e.g. grab bag words and dictation
sentences, word sort cards, word matrices)
Class Record spreadsheet for recording assessment results.

Explore the SpellEx Kit and supporting resources.

Differentiation

SpellEx is a whole-class program with opportunities for differentiation built in.

Regular Progress Monitoring enables teachers to identify which students need more support and which students may need extending.

Guided by the Progress Monitoring and Cumulative Review data, teachers can revise concepts using Top-Ups or supported practice, and for more capable students, teachers can deliver the extension mini lessons to small groups.

See how SpellEx aligns to the:
- Australian Curriculum v 9.0 here
- NSW Syllabus (Stage 2) here
- Victorian Curriculum v 2.0 here.

Using SpellEx in
Years 5–6

Although SpellEx Parts A and B have been developed for students from Year 3 and 4 respectively, it can also be used in Years 5 and 6 if students have not received explicit instruction in spelling in earlier grades and need to catch up.

SpellEx Part C is currently in development for students from Year 5. Part D will be developed to
follow Part C and will be designed for students in Year 6.

A suggested roadmap for implementation ahead of the release of Part C and Part D is available here.