English and Literacies Learning How to Make Meaning in Primary Classrooms

Many of us may take the ability to spell for granted; however, it is important to remember that spelling is a valuable but not easily attained skill. The English writing system can be particularly challenging to learn. It is generally agreed across languages that learning to read is easier than learning to spell (Bosman & Van Orden, 1997, in Treiman, 2017a).

This chapter seeks to unpack the complexities of learning to spell, including the foundations of knowledge and brain development that must be acquired to support the learning of this skill.