Spelling Rules!

         It was quite a shock to me when I started teaching middle school seven years ago to find out that many of my students had never heard the simple rules of spelling. I was appalled at the idea that anyone who taught first grade would allow youngsters to slog through the world of writing without giving them the basic tools with which to write. As I journey forth in search of the truth I heard time and time again, "Oh, spelling doesn't matter as long as they write something."

         The purpose of writing is to present our ideas to others when we are not present. Without uniformed spelling, communication quickly breaks down.

         Yes, it is true as odd and as frustrating as it may seem at times American English does have spelling rules. Though there are times when navigating the world of spelling can seem quite treacherous, it isn’t as difficult as you may think. With this series of articles, I hope to diminish your frustration level and elevate your writing confidence.

         One last note, regardless of what you were told, spelling does matter.