The Classical Speller III, Student Edition

By Gail McGaffigan

A 100-year-old, tried-and-true spelling method. Get back to the classics - Education the way it was for every great man of every generation, from our Colonial forefathers up until about the 1970’s. Then, it was replaced by “Whole Language,” a method that has reduced spelling to its current state (just exchange texts with any teenager for a vivid example). Obsolete and less-used words have been replaced. Homeschool tested and approved! The Classical Speller is an invitation to return to a time when people cared about their spelling and everything else they produced. Students following this method will build real self-esteem and pride in a job well done.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Gail McGaffigan
• Release date: Dec 1, 2012
• ISBN: 9781301533480

Gail McGaffigan

Isn't it hard to find something good to read sometimes? I know the feeling. It's tough to find a book that's clean, but not boring; with honorable characters with whom you feel a kinship. I am dedicated to creating wholesome, enjoyable books for you and your family, because I create them for my family, as well. If you're expecting to read about how it was always my dream to be a writer, you might be disappointed: I am sort of a reluctant author. My interest in writing grew from my fascination with mostly-forgotten American books of the 19th and early 20th centuries; not so much the great classics, but good dimestore, bread-and-butter-type books. Their material is so incredibly good, and I love the values, but much of it is not suited to the modern reader; so I think of myself as working "post-humorously" with authors of the past, restoring their intent. It's a lot like home renovation - Some will make it historically perfect, others will modernize everything...but some would rather restore the builder's intent, by synthesizing old and new to create something that's just right. Back then, authors felt that it was important to convey this message: It's worth it. All the struggle and the sacrifices we make to maintain our integrity and live with dignity are all worth it. This message is as vital today as ever, and I am honored for this chance to deliver it to you and your family. A New Jersey native and graduate of the Boston University School for the Arts, I now live in coastal New England with my husband, son, daughter, and a greyhound who has 19 lives. I am currently at work on her next book, as well as Classically Gail, my free, one-year online course in Music Appreciation. I may be contacted at either of her blogs, including http://www.classicallygail.blogspot.com

Book preview

The Classical Speller

Grade III

Student Edition

by Gail McGaffigan

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Copyright 2012 Gail McGaffigan

All Rights Reserved

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Smashwords Edition, License Notes

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Table of Contents

Directions to Students

Review Lesson 1

Review Lesson 2

Review Lesson 3

Review Lesson 4

Lesson 1

Lesson 2

Lesson 3

Lesson 4

Lesson 5

Lesson 6

Lesson 7

Lesson 8

Lesson 9

Lesson 10

Lesson 11

Lesson 12

Lesson 13

Lesson 14

Lesson 15

Lesson 16

Lesson 17

Lesson 18

Lesson 19

Lesson 20

Lesson 21

Lesson 22

Lesson 23

Lesson 24

Lesson 25

Lesson 26

Lesson 27

Lesson 28

Supplemental List 1

Supplemental List 2

Supplemental List 3

Supplemental List 4

Appendix

About the Author

Sample Other Books Now

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Directions to Students

Note to Instructors

Go over these directions with your students, clarifying as necessary for their age level.

Why These Words Should be Studied

One of the ways by which people judge others is by the presence or absence of spelling errors. Often, a person has failed to get a job, grant, scholarship, or other desired goal, because of spelling errors on the application. Even in the ordinary friendly email, spelling errors make a bad impression. The words which you are to learn from this spelling book are the words which people most frequently use in everyday writing.

How to Learn the Words

The first step in the study of each lesson will be pronunciation. Your teacher will pronounce each word for you. Look at your book closely, noticing each syllable as he pronounces it. When the teacher asks you to pronounce the word after him, look at each syllable closely as you pronounce it.

The second step in learning the lesson is the test. Write each word as plainly as you can and without hesitation. The purpose of this test is to see which words in the lesson which you cannot spell. The words which you cannot spell will be your work in spelling for the week.

If your teacher asks you to correct one another's tests, be sure to do your work very carefully. If you fail to mark a word wrong that has been misspelled, the student whose paper you marked will not know that the word should be studied, and will suffer. On the other hand, it will be very confusing if you mark a word wrong which is really correct. Mark any word wrong that you cannot easily read; also any word if a letter has been written over or a change made. Remember that the purpose of the test is to find out which words need to be studied. The grades of the student whose papers you correct are not affected in any way by your marking.

How to Learn to Spell a Word

A great many people have spent much time and money in finding out for you the best way to learn to spell. The directions which follow are based on what they have discovered.

1. The first thing to do in learning to spell a word is to pronounce it correctly. Pronounce the word, saying each syllable very distinctly, and looking closely at each syllable as you say it.

2. With closed eyes, try to picture the word in your book, syllable by syllable, as you pronounce it in a whisper. In pronouncing the words, be sure to say each syllable clearly. After saying the word, keep trying to recall how the word looked in your book, and at the same time say the letters. Spell by syllables.

3. Open your eyes, and look at the word to see whether or not you had it right.

4. Look at the word again, saying the syllables very clearly. If you did not have the word right on your first try, say the letters this time as you look sharply at the syllables.

5. Try again with closed eyes to picture the word as you spell the syllables