Try a Demonstration of Each Step of the Spell to Excel Management System

1. Pre-Test is the first step. Each student takes a pre-test to assess which words to study. The pre-test generates an individualized spelling list (based on ability) from the weekly curriculum. Students who understand the curriculum complete their weekly spelling list by adding words from other areas of study. Every student has an appropriate list.
2. Five Step Word Study engages the student in the critical steps necessary for learning to spell a word. Students practice their individualized spelling lists using a unique Five Step Word Study method. Based on the well-researched paper/pencil version of this method, Spell to Excel’s Five Step Word Study ensures the student completes each step. Five Step Word Study increases a student’s ability to spell an individual word as well as his/her ability to correctly spell other words with similar patterns.
3. The Test is unique because it guides the student’s thinking process as it evaluates. Students are given two chances to spell the word correctly. If the student’s first attempt isn’t correct, he/she refers to the sound spelling cards to determine other patterns that might work. The student also evaluates the sounds represented in the word. Any words missed twice on the test are carried over to next week’s pre-test. This process helps the student take responsibility for learning the words and the sound patterns.
4. Words I Know tracks the highest frequency words for each grade level. Once the student has correctly spelled a high frequency word, he/she is now responsible for the correct spelling of that word. Students refer to their “Words I Know” when proofreading their writing. As the students proofread hundreds of times for the high frequency words, they become fluent in the spelling of these words.
5. Games and Activities are another way to practice words. Students can practice words from their spelling list or from words previously spelled correctly. Spell to Excel continues to develop fun, interactive activities for each grade level. These activities are great for homework, after-school programs or enjoyable practice.

Try a Demonstration of Each Step of High Frequency Word Intervention

1. Say It, Spell It, and Say It is a proven method for helping early readers learn to read high frequency words. Students are introduced to specifically assigned words using this research-based strategy. The teacher then assesses progress by having the student read practiced words from the screen. Teachers can reset “Say It, Spell It, and Say It” to repeat the practice or teachers can allow the student to progress to “Sight Word Drill”.
2. Sight Word Drill is a timed review where students practice reading high frequency words. Words included in the review come from both current and previous sessions of “Say It, Spell It, and Say It”. Students can click on any word to review a word. When the student is ready, she/he tries to beat the clock. The time and/or practice rounds are set by the teacher. The student continues to practice until goals are reached. The student then progresses to “Read a Story”.
3. Read a Story allows students to practice reading a story that includes words from “Say It, Spell It, and Say It”. Teachers can choose to present stories with or without phrasing marks. Students may also be timed so they can practice until they reach their fluency goals.
4. Practice Games and Flashcards are fun ways to increase the number of repetitions of high frequency words.