Spelling Contract

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Spelling Contract
By April Atkins

I use spelling contracts. At the beginning of each nine weeks the students take a test everyday that week on the entire nine weeks words. Anywords they miss automatically becomes their spelling words. This way their list
is personalized with only the words they need to work on. I type out each child a list and they staple it to their spelling note book. I add words throughout the nine weeks when I see words misspelled from their writing. Also, if they miss words on their test on Fridays those words automatically have to be their spelling words again.

So, for an basic overview...The kids have their

personalized spelling list in their notebook. Each Monday they circle 15 words they would like to study and write them on their contract. I choose one or two "Must Do" activities for them to do and they choose 3 "Free Choices" to complete. They do the activities during the week and turn them in before the test on Friday. THe next Monday I give out the graded test. They Highlight all the words they got correct and recircle the words they got wrong. The wrong words are written onto the next weeks speling list. Then they can choose the remaining words. And the cycle starts over again.

It sounds complicated but it really is not that hard. My kids love it because they feel like they have power to choose. I also feel like having the personalized list is more beneficial than giving them a bunch of words they already know.
This is my spelling contract. See what you think.

Spelling Contract
Each week you will choose _______ words from your spelling list. Write each word correctly on this contract. You must complete the “Must Do’s” that I choose for you. Then, you may choose 3 more activities you would like to complete as well. All contract work will be due on Friday. If the work is turned in late, I will automatically take away 15 points.

Must Do's
_____1. Write each word 3 times in color, print, or cursive.

_____2. Write words in ABC order and reverse ABC order.

_____3. Divide the words into syllables.

_____4. Write a sentence with each word.

Free Choice
(Choose 3)
_____1. Look up each word in the dictionary and write one definition.

_____2. Look up each word in the dictionary and write the part of speech.

_____3. Write a story using all of your words.

_____4. Make a word search or crossword puzzle with all your words.

_____5. Make a poster of words with illustrations.

_____6. Write a poem using all of your words.

_____7. Write the words times the number of syllables.

_____8. Write a synonym and/or antonym for each word.

_____9. Write the words. Use red for vowels and blue for consonants.

_____10. Write the easiest word, next 2 easiest, next 3 easiest, etc.