Spelling The New Zealand Essential Word Lists
We are working with the New Zealand "Essential Word Lists" to help us write better stories. The 290 words that make up the essential lists are used most often when we write.
Together they make up about 75% of most writing, so they are very important.
These words have been arranged in alphabetical order and put in lists according to how often they are used. Because these words are used so often, it is very important that we learn to spell each one.
LEARNING YOUR WORDS
LOOK, SAY, COVER, WRITE, CHECK
LOOK at the word you want to learn, and I mean really look. Which bits of the spelling are easy and which are not so obvious? Mark the 'hard spots', that is the difficult part of the word, using a different coloured pen. Is the word similar in spelling to another word that has a related meaning? Can you break it into parts? Have a really good look and think about the spelling until you think you can spell it.
SAY the word, while looking at it. Is the spelling a reflection of the sound? If not what is different?
COVER the word with your hand or a piece of paper. Close your eyes and try to 'see' the word in your head.
WRITE it.
CHECK your spelling by uncovering the word and comparing it with your spelling. Check it letter by letter. If it's wrong, start again; if it's right, celebrate how clever you are.
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