Does Spelling Really Matter?
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Lauren Cantor
I often think back to my second-grade class, where a single spelling test determined which reading group I would be placed in for the rest of the year. That placement, in turn, shaped how my teachers perceived my academic potential for years to come. Even now, thinking about that experience still gives me anxiety. Spelling never came naturally to me. I remember watching my peers in the higher-level group write with ease and confidence, effortlessly mastering their advanced spelling lists. I would think to myself, Man, I will never be that smart.
It turns out that spelling isn’t everything—but it certainly is something. What I mean is that spelling should not define intelligence or serve as the sole basis for grouping students into rigid academic tracks that follow them from kindergarten through high school. However, it does play a crucial role in building strong comprehension skills.
As researchers have noted, "Mastery of spelling is essential for acquiring other English language skills and developing literacy" (Yen et al., 2022).
That said, the ultimate purpose of reading is comprehension. While spelling should not be overlooked, a truly holistic approach to teaching literacy must also emphasize guided instruction in reading comprehension.
This is why reading to your child—and modeling thoughtful engagement with texts—is so important. Encourage them to reflect, ask questions, and make real-world connections. You may think your child is "too old" or "not interested" in being read to, but discussing reading comprehension is essential. It shapes how they will interpret and engage with the world around them.
So, does spelling matter? Yes, it absolutely does. But it should never be the sole measure of a child's intelligence. Literacy has many facets, and modeling strong reading comprehension skills will help your child understand the true power and purpose of reading.
Works Cited
Yen, E., Hashim, H. & Yunus, M. (2022). A systematic review of mobile learning trends in supporting the mastery of spelling. International Journal of Interactive Mobile Technologies (iJIM), 16, 59-80. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijim.v16i24.33633
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