Freebie Friday & Spelling Dictionary

Happy Friday! I am beyond excited about this weekend. My mom is coming for a visit (LOOVE when she visits!) We have a busy weekend planned with shopping to add some new decor to the house and the Lady Antebellum concert with a great friend and her mom! Girls weekends are my absolute fave!

Since I am so happy it's Friday, I think its time to link up for Freebie Friday over at Teaching Blog Addict!  Do you use spelling dictionaries in your classroom? I swear by them and have really seen the benefits. Now, it doesn't work if you students just record the words during your Word Work block. They have to be INTERACTIVE! My students use them in every content area to help with their writing. During Writer's Workshop, social studies, science, and even math the students have their journals out when they are writing and reflecting in their journals. It's such a great tool and since they are personalized for each student, the really take ownership  of their spelling! If students are struggling with words individually, when I help them correctly spell it, they will add it to their own personal spelling dictionaries!

This year I have even created a vowel spelling journal where my students can sort out long and short vowel sounds. This will help the students during word study time and allow them to sort out he different vowel sounds! Ok, now time for a FREEBIE. You can grab my Spelling Dictionary: Vowel Edition here!

I have added my spelling dictionary that I use in my classroom to my TpT store. Each page has a picture of an object (the animals are my fave!) that begins with each letter. It is SO important (especially in the early years) to help students make connections to letter sounds with pictures. I will be teaching in a school with over 50% of English Language Learners so I am depending on pictures to help connect the new words they are learning.

How do you use spelling dictionaries in your classroom? Please comment below and fill me in! The first two people to comment will receive a FREE copy of my entire spelling journal! Don't forget to leave your e-mail!

Also, if you have not linked up or checked out Primary Inspired's Book Study of Guided Math, do it NOW! I have purchased my copy and have dived right it! It has opened my eyes to see what I have done really great with my math instruction and what are a few areas that could use some improvement! Each year I have chosen to focus on one subject area that I want to really improve and finally after three years of focusing on reading (my master's is in reading so that was a HUGE focus for me for the past three years) it is time to give good ol' math some attention!!!

Remember to comment to get your FREE Spelling Dictionary!
Have a FANTASTIC weekend!