Description

Written by an authority in the dyslexia field, this is the first accessible guide to the close interplay of spelling and dyslexia. Kelli Sandman-Hurley talks the teacher or parent through why kids with dyslexia find spelling so hard, and what we can learn from the spelling mistakes in their writing samples.

Introducing key terminology around morphemes (smallest unit of meaning in words) and phonemes (smallest contrastive units in language) in an accessible and clear way, Sandman-Hurley goes on to explain how we can identify, and learn from, kids’ spelling miscues, and use them to further inform our teaching and instruction. Shedding much-needed light on an under-explored tool for classroom or home learning, Dyslexia and Spelling is essential reading for teachers and parents alike.

Publisher Review

Spelling is hard if you have to learn it on your own! But when you understand the systems that are used in English to spell words, it makes a lot more sense. This book takes a morphological approach to teaching all students with dyslexia to spell and write, but the ideas apply much more widely to students who struggle or who have been undertaught. This is a great resource on the English language that teachers and parents can use to help unlock the code and help students communicate their ideas with the world. -- Douglas Fisher, Ph.D., Professor & Chair, Department of Educational Leadership, San Diego State University This book is a must read for all teachers, not only those working with children who find spelling difficult. Sandman-Hurley demystifies the spelling of English words and provides numerous effective activities for spelling instruction. After reading Dyslexia and Spelling, teachers will no longer see spelling as a memory task but one based on the "sense and elegance of the English writing system." -- Marcia K. Henry, PhD. Author, Unlocking Literacy: Effective Decoding and Spelling Instruction; Former president, The International Dyslexia Association; Professor Emerita, San Jose State University Kelli Sandman Hurley shines a bright light on a profound insight about spelling and dyslexia that has been in front of us all along yet few of us understand. Embrace this fabulous book and let it be a first step to learning more. -- Michael Hart, Ph.D., Founder and President of DrMichaelHart.com