ABSTRACT
English spelling is highly complex, and supporting writers to spell conventionally in English involves arepertoire of spelling strategies and knowledge. Spelling should be taught through the experience of plenty of authentic writing experiences. Children can be shown that there are many sources of information that they can draw upon as spellers and no one strategy will ever be enough. Young spellers will thrive best in an environment where spelling accurately is seen as something that is necessary in a final draft.
Factors that lead tolegible and fluent handwriting include explicit attention to handwriting, teacher demonstration and modelling. Although handwriting remains an essential skill, there is a significant gap in research and advice on teaching keyboard skills which needs to be filled. There are many reasons why children experience difficulty with handwriting and teachers need to be observant and tactful in helping children develop fluent and legible handwriting.
