Literacy Update

A final reflection on spelling (for now :-)

Over the past few weeks, I’ve shared information about spelling. Now it’s time to answer the following question.

Why is English spelling sometimes so tricky?

English can be tricky because it has developed over many centuries, borrowing words from languages such as Latin, Greek, French, and Old English. Many words kept their original spelling, which is why similar sounds can be written in different ways. For example, the /f/ sound can be written as f in fun or ph in phone, and ough can sound different in through, rough, and thought.

English has many spelling rules, and most have exceptions, which is part of what makes it seem tricky. Understanding root words, prefixes, and suffixes can help students spot patterns and make connections between words. For example, the root sign appears in signal and signature, and recognising this connection can help students with their spelling.

Here are some key spelling rules:

• Double the final consonant when adding -ing or -ed to a word with a short vowel.Example: run → running, hop → hopped
• Change y to i when adding a suffix to a word ending in y with a consonant before it.Example: happy → happier
• Drop the final e when adding a suffix to a word ending in e.Example: make → making
• Long vowel before final e: a vowel followed by a final e usually represents a long sound.Example: hop → hope, kit → kite
• Soft and hard c: c is soft before e, i, or y, and hard before a, o, or u.Example: city, cent, cat, cot

Library borrowing

During Week 9, students will return library books only; there will be no borrowing. Week 10, the last week of term, will be used for stocktake, following up on overdue books, and preparing reminder lists. Please check at home for any library books and readers, and return them with your child.

Thank you for the time you spend reading with your child. It plays such an important role in building confidence and a love of learning. I encourage families to explore the local library during the school holidays to continue reading together.

Literacy Leader | Bernadette Parnis