Grove Gazette

SMART Spelling

Dear families,

 

As you may be (or hopefully) aware, we follow the SMART Spelling approach at OGPS. It is an explicit, systematic sequence beginning in Foundation through to Year 6. It is taught through pattern and regularity with an emphasis on meaning and vocabulary development. 

 

SMART is an acronym for the sequence teachers follow to teach the words to students.

Our NAPLAN and school assessment data indicates that Spelling and Language Conventions (grammar and punctuation) are two areas that we could improve when compared to similar schools. They align with our 2024 AIP target to Improve the learning growth and achievement of all students.

 

See the graphic below for 2023 NAPLAN results in these areas.

YEAR 3 GRAMMAR and PUNCTUATION:

 

YEAR 3 SPELLING:

YEAR 5 SPELLING:

YEAR 5 GRAMMAR and PUNCTUATION:

 

To support us in our quest to improve your child’s spelling and our spelling results overall, we would like to encourage children to practise their SMART spelling words at home. Words are sent to families on Seesaw every Monday and children complete a spelling test and dictation every Friday. (This looks a little different in Foundation where they learn a word a week, within a sentence, beginning in Week 7). 

 

Recent brain research shows that deliberate, effortful practice along with repetition and spaced retrieval help to improve learning outcomes and competency. (Andrew Fuller and Dr Judi Newman).

 

Attached is a list of engaging activities that your child could do to practise their words at home. This task complements the nightly reading that we also encourage.

 

As per the Homework and Home Task Policy (which can be found on the school website), all home tasks set by teachers are optional and inclusive of the following:

  • purposeful 
  • curriculum-aligned 
  • appropriate to students’ skill level and age 
  • designed to help students develop as independent learners 
  • monitored by the teacher 
  • where appropriate, provide opportunities for parents/carers to partner in their child’s learning.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

 

Kind regards,

 

Kerryn McKeon

Literacy Learning Specialist