Based on the active and innovative approach of making words that teachers and their students have grown to love from Cunningham, "What Really Matters in Spelling" presents teachers in grades kindergarten through eighth grade with a clear approach to what really matters in spelling.

Patricia Cunningham

What Really Matters in Spelling: Research-Based Strategies and Activities

Based on the active and innovative approach of making words that teachers and their students have grown to love from Pat Cunningham, What Really Matters in Spelling presents teachers in grades kindergarten through eighth grade with a clear approach to what really matters in spelling. Pat reminds teachers how much spelling matters, how complex teaching spelling is, and how critical word walls and reading are to strengthening spelling skills. Her experience as a classroom teacher, researcher, scholar, and innovator gives readers a unique opportunity to learn from the best as Pat identifies the 100 most common words and patterns, and examines ways to develop sophisticated, independent spellers. Paired with Pat's book What Really Matters in Vocabulary, educators have the best tools to help every student become good spellers and communicators.

In their well-known and much welcomed thought-provoking style, Pat Cunningham, Dick Allington, and others bring you the best research-based instructional advice available. Each of the brief and inexpensive books in the What Really Matters series features what Pat and Dick know about one aspect of teaching and learning to read independently with understanding. To learn more about the series see the inside front cover.

"Cunningham explicitly outlines the necessary steps for introducing 100 key words per school year and offers engaging activities for classroom teachers to help all of their students become great spellers. This is exactly what classroom teachers are looking for: step-by-step spelling instruction that is meaningful and relevant to their students' needs."

- Shanalee Cannon, K-5 Literacy, Southern Nevada Regional Professional Development Program, N. Las Vegas, NV

"As a classroom teacher I know first hand how students' spelling in written work seems to becoming increasingly problematic. Students often spell words phonetically which are not always spelled correctly. It seems as if students who continue to misspell these words in their writing do not move forward, as a matter of fact very little progress is made. I think with [Pat's] approach students will have a better grasp on the tricky word patterns and help them to make a connection to other word patterns rather than just spelling one word and then moving on to the next."

- Karen Berecsky, Second Grade Teacher, Mill Lake, Monroe, NJ

Patricia M. Cunningham is a Professor of Education at Wake Forest University. She has over 30 years of experience, taught in various elementary grades and remedial reading, and was a curriculum coordinator and director of reading. Pat is the author or coauthor of What Really Matters in Vocabulary, What Really Matters in Writing, Classrooms That Work, Schools That Work, Phonics They Use, and the Making Words series. Her major professional goal is promoting literacy for all children. Pat currently engages in staff development across the United States.

A part of the What Really Matters series, this book offers a focused explanation of spelling and the most important strategies teachers can use so their students become good spellers and better communicators.

Featuring a trusted author team and compact design, What Really Matters in Spelling: Research-Based Strategies and Activities discusses why spelling matters and its relationship to the entire reading process. Chapters progress sequentially, grouping words (100 at a time) by spelling patterns and complexity. With an emphasis on best practice, the book explains how to use a classroom word wall, identifies the 100 most common words and patterns, and examines ways to develop sophisticated, independent spellers.

Written by the authors you know and trust, each of the books in the What Really Matters series offers a succinct presentation of what matters most when teaching different aspects of the reading process. With a thought-provoking, rich presentation, Pat Cunningham and Dick Allington explore complex issues teachers of reading face in today's classrooms and bring each of the topics to life. These brief and inexpensive books are written in a lively narrative with clear organization, exceptional pedagogy, and special features. Their friendly design and compact size make the books accessible, convenient, and easy-to read.