Books by SSS members.
Understanding English Spelling by Masha Bell.
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The book provides an analysis of the regularities and irregularities of the
English spelling system, but its word lists can also be used for teaching reading
and spelling. To anyone interested in the possibility of improving English spelling,
(it is absolutely essential reading because) it not only explains why English
literacy acquisition is slow and difficult; it shows which spellings are most
detrimental to literacy progress (and in most urgent need of repair). The word lists
also enable you to see what effect any proposed spelling change would
have. [Masha Bell: see Journals, Newsletters, Leaflets, Media, Personal View.] Further details and price from Amazon. |
Sounds, Symbols and Spellings by Adam Brown.
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This book explains the rationale for, and gives familiarisation practice in the
symbols of the transcription system used in all good modern British English
dictionaries. The book:
Further details and price from Amazon. |
Jolly Dictionary by Sue Lloyd and Sara Wernham.
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Teaching children how to use a dictionary will improve reading and writing, and
help them become independent learners. A unique pronunciation guide is given for
each of the 6000+ age appropriate words. The definitions have been carefully
written so that children find them easy to read and understand. The award
winning Jolly Dictionary complements the Jolly Grammar books and is designed to
teach children how to look up and understand words they don't know. [Chris Jolly: see Journals, Newsletters, Media, Bulletins, Web links.] Further details and price from Amazon. |
Future of Fonics by Isobel Raven.
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This book uses statistics and stories, history and anecdote, tables and graphics
to build the case for adjusting English spelling so that fonics, so dear to the
hearts of educators and parents, really works to bring productive literacy within
reach of struggling average students and the masses of people tackling English as a
second (third, fourth) language. [Isobel Raven: see Journal, Newsletter, Media.] Further details and price from Amazon. |
fom winde ferfeelt (vom winde verfehlt) by Zé do Rock.
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Zé do Rock's biography: he hitchhiked around the werld for 13 yeers, visiting
117 countries, and had a lot of trouble with robbers, poleece and wimmen. It is
written in progressiv RITE, ie it starts with tradissional orthografy and gets mor
and mor RITE (Redusing Iregularitys in Tradissional English). [Zé do Rock: see Journals, Newsletters, Media, Personal View.] Further details and price from Amazon. |
Spelling for the 21st century by Sanford S. Silverman.
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Spelling for the 21st Century is primarily an appeal to people to consider the benefits of adopting a simplified spelling system, socially, and as taxpayers who bear the burden of welfare for the illiterate among us. Most would learn to read in the first grade, as children in Italy and Spain do and would be able to support themselves.
Further details and price from Amazon. |
Spelling Dearest (The Down and Dirty, Nitty-Gritty History of English Spelling) by Niall McLeod Waldman.
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This irreverent, tell-all book reveals why English spelling is so needlessly
difficult. The crucial events, the intentional complexity, the downright blunders
are all here; plus the legendary people who caused them. The American Literacy
Council calls this award-winning book, "pithy and profound." The New
Orleans Times says, "it's an informative, free-flowing, humorous and historic
look at how we screwed up so badly for so many years." Spelling Dearest
takes a lighthearted poke at the weakest part of the most powerful language in the
world. [Niall Waldman: see Media.] Further details and price from Amazon. |
The Book of Spells & Misspells by Valerie Yule.
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This book laughs at spelling, not people who cannot spell. A treasury of modern
spelling including text messaging, computers, advertising, culture, history,
geography, the psychology of spelling, spelling bees, dethless verse and werse, pun
and games, spelling demons, how people want to spell, spelling for fun, spelling for
communication, the spelling ethic, how spelling changes. For libraries, schools and
anytime gift book. [Valerie Yule: see Journals, Newsletters, Media, Personal View, Anthology, Bulletins, Web links.] Further details and price from Amazon. |
Lets End Our Literacy Crisis by Bob C. Cleckler.
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This book proves the effect of functional illiteracy is serious, probably worse than you realize. A recent analysis of the report from the most extensive study of literacy ever completed in the U.S. proves that over 31% of those in the two lowest of five functional literacy levels are in poverty. We do not see 46-51% of U.S. adults (total of the two lowest literacy levels) in poverty if more than one adult in the family is employed and if those with low incomes receive financial help, as is usually the case. The proposed solution has been (1) recommended by dozens of scholars for over 250 years, (2) implemented by several nations, large and small, advanced and third-world, and (3) proven effective in over 300 languages other than English. Also, all reasonable objections to the proposed solution were completely debunked by scholars, but it has never been tried in English. The book has won finalist awards in two major award competitions, and has been recommended by Dr. Michael F. Shaughnessy, Professor of Special Education at Eastern New Mexico Univ. Further details and price: Amazon, discount price: pdbookstore.com. |
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