Marvellous Spelling DVD

classroom use

Context

The DVD was used in a small primary school. The techniques were predominantly applied to a mixed-ability class of Year 3 and 4 children, but they were also introduced to small groups of special needs children working with a teaching assistant. The techniques discuss classroom layout, positioning of children and application of the techniques, which were all followed as suggested. As the DVD contains video instructions, it was also used at a staff meeting so all teachers were able to access the techniques. The ideas were used over a series of lessons so that children soon became comfortable with their application and used them to learn their weekly spellings.

Student Response

The initial response to the techniques shown in the DVD was good. Most children participated very well and enjoyed a great deal of success. Some indicated that they were very pleased with the ideas and that they had rapid success - 'It works!'. Others, though, found it somewhat uncomfortable and they became distracted by setting the environment for learning that was shown in the video. This did improve with practice, though. Some children with attention difficulties found it difficult to concentrate on longer words and had initial problems with following the correct procedure. However, there was marked success using this technique and this improved over time. With constant practice it becomes familiar and ingrained and children really enjoy it.

Personalisation

This DVD can be used in any setting. It demonstrates techniques that can be applied in different class settings, with different ages and abilities of children. It is not prescriptive and can therefore be applied using the professional judgement of the teacher. It can be used at any level, using any words chosen by the teacher and, as such, it can be entirely personalised. Children seem to take to the techniques at different rates, but most are able to master it within just a few sessions.

Assessment and pupil tracking opportunities

This product is a DVD of techniques that can be applied to classroom practice to improve the teaching of spelling. As such, it is not a product that assesses children or tracks their progress, but rather it is a method of teaching that can raise attainment as measured by ongoing assessment.