2nd Grade Spelling Tests

Part 1: List Test:
Language Arts Standard 1.6- Hear and blend sequence of sounds, syllables or phonemes that make a word. Students will read common words (names, environmental print, word families)

The kids are given 18 words in a list format. We read the word. Use it in a sentence, and then read the word again. The first 10 are the sound study words. The remaining 8 are challenge words. These are bonus. A score may be 9 out of 10 with 3 bonus points. We want all children to attempt the bonus words because it gives us an opportunity to see his/her spelling conventions and patterns. Reversed letters and messy writing make words very difficult to read. In the future, these words will be counted incorrect. Please practice writing the words at home so that students will avoid these mistakes. We want them to get full credit!

Part 2: Cloze Activity (fill-in-the-blank story):
Language Arts Standard 1.8- Understand that comprehension is the ultimate goal of reading. Students will use grammatical (syntax) and meaning (semantic) cues.

The remaining 5 “No Excuse” words are tested in a reading and writing context, as they would appear in our daily work. The words are given orally. Students must spell the word correctly and put it in the right place in story. We teach the READ and LEAP strategy to help decode unknown words. The students get 1/2 point for putting the word in the correct spot and 1/2 point for spelling it correctly. Each week the stories will include all the current no-excuse words as well as some from previous weeks. They will continually accumulate. This will hopefully help to avoid the “memorize words for a test and then forget them” syndrome.

After the story is completed, students write a brief response that shows their understanding of the reading. A total of 5 points is given for a complete detailed response.

Part 3: Sentence Dictation:
Language Arts Standard 2.3- Listen to and following directions
Language Arts Standard 2.16- Establish oral-to-print “word-to-word” correspondence
Language Arts Standard 3.0- Use grammatical and mechanical conventions of language in speaking and writing.

We give students a list of 3-5 sentences, which include the “No-Excuse” words. You will see them underlined in red pencil. Points are earned for spelling those words correctly, starting sentences with capitals, ending with punctuation, etc. We know that the testing process seems very complicated, but it is actually quite simple for the kids. They receive lots of support as they work. The tests provide us with very valuable information about spelling ability, use of reading strategies, work skills (listening to and following directions), and comprehension.

Thank you for helping your child at home! The spelling program is a great way to show your child’s growth and build success!