How do we use a THRASS
Chart to Teach Spelling?
Parent Workshop Term 4 2016
What is THRASS?
THRASS is an acronym for:
Teaching
Handwriting
Reading
And
Spelling
Skills
THRASS HISTORY AT OUR SCHOOL
In 2015, our staff explored THRASS and felt the implementation of this tool in our
school would benefit all of our learners.
In 2015, all staff were trained over 2 days to implement THRASS. To teach using
these strategies you need to be trained.
In 2016, our new staff have been trained. We have also been on a learning journey
as a whole school towards implementing THRASS from P-6.
THRASS is not a program, it is a teaching tool. It can be used for all ages and
abilities.
Key Terminology
THRASS uses the correct terms for speech sounds and spelling choices in
English.
Phoneme is the correct term for a speech sound.
Grapheme is the correct term for a spelling choice.
We use this terminology with all learners from P-6 at St Mary of the Cross.
In spoken English we use 44 phonemes.
Graphemes can be a graph, digraph, trigraph and sometimes a quadgraph.
By using analogy and a THRASS Chart we can now explicitly teach children
these words.
was
put
Parts of the THRASS Chart
Letter Boxes
Consonant
phonemes and
graphemes
Key terminology
Vowel
phonemes and
graphemes
MASUTA IN ACTION
MEANING
cat
A cat is a small animal.
A cat has soft fur, a short snout and claws.
MASUTA IN ACTION
ANALYSIS
Segment the phonemes in the word (c) (a) (t)
Identify the graphemes ‘c’ ‘a’ ‘t’
How many syllables in this word- 1 syllable
Connect by analogy
Locate IPA
MASUTA IN ACTION
SYNTHESIS
Synthesise the phonemes.
Explore deletion and manipulation activities.
Cat with the phoneme (b) becomes bat
MASUTA IN ACTION
USING MEMORY
Activities using memory to spell these words.
MASUTA IN ACTION
TESTING:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Articulate the word.
Articulate the word in a sentence.
Identify and synthesise the phonemes.
Isolate and write the graphemes.
Spell the word using the letter names.
We have standardised testing twice a year (South Australian)
and we can use this to regularly assess spelling.
MASUTA IN ACTION
APPLYING
You see these newly taught words used by students in
everyday application. This also links to their reading.
MASUTA gives the teacher control over teaching spelling.
How can you help your child at home?
*Teach that the alphabet has letter names and we have 44
phonemes (sounds) in English.
*Talk to your child about the meaning of new words they are
learning. This is an important role that you can play.
*At all ages, talk to your child about the meaning of words
and using them in context. This way, you are building new
vocabulary for your child.
*Also ask for help if you have any questions.
Further Information and Resources
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★
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★
THRASS website www.thrass.com.au
Parent Information Pack Provided
Purchase a THRASS Chart for $7.00 (per chart)
Homegroup teachers in our school are all THRASS Trained. Feel free at anytime to contact me
for any advice or questions.
[email protected] or call our school