My son is gifted, has exceptional command of language, but he can not spell! He works very hard, but repetition doesn’t help. He can know the words before a spelling test then forget during the test. He typically misses 30-50% of words on spelling tests. He is in 8th grade, and has had proplems with spelling since 1st grade. This affects his grades in all classes because most teachers count off for spelling, even in Math! He spells phonetically, the way the words sound to him, and gets vowels mixed up, also p & B and m & p’s. Could he have an LD? Is there an LD for not being able to spell? I posted this on the “Misunderstood Minds” and a lady recommended that I post it on the Teachers Board, I sure would appreciate some help!
Take a look at the Lindamood Bell site and read the description of Seeing Stars (Symbol Imagery). I think that sounds like what he needs.
www.lindamoodbell.com
There really isn’t a category for spelling. Often these kids have some reading or written expression issues which will classify them as LD and that way they can get help with spelling. But truthfully, most schools do not know how to help this area.
Janis