I was one of those kids who never had to think twice about spelling. I just "got" it. Not all children are like this, however, as I had lots of friends who spelled words in ways that were just strange to me. I seem to think that either you get it or you don't.

However, learning basic spelling rules and approaching spelling as a continued life skill can do much for a person's abilities. My daughter, for example, did horribly with spelling when it was approached as a "drill." Our style of homeschooling naturally allowed for her to go slow, gain confidence, and learn to love it. It is now one of her favorite (and best) subjects.

Some schools (not all) seem to teach the spelling words just long enough to take the weekly test and POOF -- it's gone. This doesn't help children to be better spellers, just better crammers.

Great article!