However, third grade writers are encouraged to use strong vocabulary words that they may not know how to spell. Writing enormous to describe an elephant is much more effective than writing big. Therefore, I don't expect children's first draft writing to be filled with perfectly spelled words. I challenge them to spell words (like enormous) the best they can. They can circle the word quickly so they remember to go back to it later, then keep writing.
Kids often write their "trick words" quickly as well. The trick words are words that they began learning in kindergarten, first and second grade. They are words that writers typically use most often - words like because and there. If a third grade writer has already mastered a trick word, I do expect them to spell it correctly in their writing the first time through. I don't want students to get the idea that writers do whatever they want the first time because they can fix it all up later. For third grade writers, this balance between letting writing flow, yet also paying attention to the mechanics of writing can be tricky to find.
This afternoon, you will find a packet of spelling lists in your child's folder.
These lists are filled with words that your child has demonstrated mastery of using Spelling City. However, these words are not necessarily consistently spelled correctly in your child's writing. So, you will see highlighted words in the packet that your child finds tricky. I encouraged them to look for the words that they make mistakes with, even though they can spell them right sometimes. They have recorded 5-10 of these words on a personal word wall that we will keep here at school. Whenever Room 221 authors are writing, I expect them to keep their word wall by their side. That way they can quickly look to be sure they are spelling the word correctly, yet continue with the flow of their writing.
Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.
Happy spelling!