Spelling and vocabulary are the essential tools with which our children gain understanding. These tools are used constantly when new words are encountered, and children learn better when they understand the terms with which they are being taught. From the Dolch word list to complex math vocabulary terms spelling and vocabulary enables students to gain mastery.
Simply put, if a child is being taught an intricate lesson on light waves yet doesn’t understand the many terms that are being used in teaching the process the student will not gain an understanding of the subject matter. Yet, if we turn this around, the student who has a complete and thorough understanding of the complex words used in the unit will then easily be able to follow the process of light waves.
Spelling and vocabulary are the pillars on which the understanding of all other subjects rest. Yes, I know that reading is foundational – but spelling and vocabulary learning are foundation to reading. It is rather a questions of “Which came first, the chicken or the egg?” Spelling and vocabulary are integral aspects of successful reading, and yet all of them are pivotal to understanding other subjects.