Spelling strategies"Spelling is a process which involves a variety of skills including visual, auditory, memory, language, attention and motor abilities. Proficient spellers must form a clear, sharp image of the correct spelling of a word, associate sound-to-letters, remember the correct sequence of letters, have an understanding of language which will aid in word analysis, and possess the visual-motor skills necessary to write the correct form of the word."50 It is not surprising given the many processes that are involved in spelling, that many of our adults with learning difficulties seem to have very frustrating experiences with spelling. Both visual and auditory processing disabilities can clearly create challenges for adult learners. Learners may find that their minds go blank or they may find it difficult to hear sounds accurately, and even if they can, they discover that English spelling is not consistently phonetic. If learners have auditory processing difficulties, a selection of visual imaging strategies may be helpful. Likewise for a visual processing disability, a number of auditory or pronunciation strategies may prove beneficial. In addition, practitioners should understand learners' memory strengths and weaknesses and incorporate appropriate strategies. The initial assessment results and ongoing evaluation of learners' spelling will help determine what areas to focus on and appropriate strategies to help with the challenges learners may face. When planning what strategies to utilize, consider the following principles:
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