Directions

1. Assess students individually or in a small group. Give them blank sheets of paper on which you have stamped or recorded the date.

2. Explain that you want them to show you what words they can write and how they go about spelling words.

3. Ask them to write all the words that they know how to write, beginning with their names.

4. This activity is not a spelling test. Offer support and encouragement such as suggesting categories of words they might know how to write. For example, you might say, "Can you write the names of anyone in your family?" or "Can you write any of the colour words?"

5. You can ask them how they figure out how to spell words when they are writing. For example, "Do you search the word wall or other classroom print for similar spelling patterns?"

6. Allow students to decide when they are finished. Thank them and show appreciation of all efforts.

7. Observe the students as they are writing and note on the back of their assessment sheets any strategies they used when writing, such as orally segmenting words or glancing at the classroom word wall. (Use self-adhesive notes for recording observations and attach to respective students' assessment forms.)

8. Repeat the assessment each reporting period noting growth and changes in writing behaviours.