As a TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) educator, finding effective tools to support your English language learners’ spelling development can be challenging. You need resources that align with TESOL methodologies while being practical and engaging for diverse classrooms. Spelling Test Buddy offers a comprehensive solution designed specifically for language teachers like you.
What Makes Spelling Test Buddy an Ideal TESOL Tool for Teachers?
Spelling Test Buddy is an online platform that aligns perfectly with TESOL best practices to support teaching spelling in English as a second language. It supports differentiated instruction, provides authentic language practice, and offers immediate feedback - all crucial elements in second language acquisition.
What your students will see
See how your English language learners would interact with a Spelling Test Buddy lesson:
Why Teachers Love Spelling Test Buddy as an TESOL Tool
1. It saves you time
Spelling Test Buddy saves you time. Once you set up your word lists, you can reuse them for years. Checking on student performance takes a matter of seconds. Practice can take place in the classroom, with students practicing at their own speed, or at home on their own devices. No need to grade tests by hand, no need to spend time customizing lists in PowerPoint, Google Slides, or Word.
2. Customizable Word Lists
Every ESL student has different learning needs based on their proficiency level. With Spelling Test Buddy, you can create custom word lists tailored to your students. Whether you’re focusing on beginner vocabulary or more advanced spelling patterns, the platform lets you design tests that match your curriculum.
For example, you can include high-frequency words, phonetic patterns, or vocabulary relevant to your students’ everyday experiences. This ensures that spelling practice is meaningful and directly supports their language acquisition journey.
The system includes over 420+ premade word lists, across all English phonetic patterns, with full spelling curriculums for grades Kindergarten through Second grade, and with the complete Fry list of 1000 words. So, if you need to augment a specific lesson, or if you are starting from scratch, you no longer need to hunt for the appropriate word list online or in your reference books. Just pick from the list.
3. Audio Pronunciations for Improved Listening Skills
A critical part of learning to spell is being able to hear the words spoken by a fluent English speaker. Spelling Test Buddy features clear audio pronunciations for every word. This helps ESL students connect spoken language with its written form, improving both their listening and spelling skills.
To take it further, Spelling Test Buddy also creates the word as used in a sentence, so that students can hear the word in context. This provides an additional layer of learning, especially because of how complex English is as a language.
Students can listen to the word and the sentence multiple times during practice tests, which reinforces correct pronunciation and aids retention. You can see this in the sample test above.
4. Immediate Feedback for Faster Learning
ESL students benefit from quick feedback, allowing them to correct mistakes and learn on the spot. Spelling Test Buddy provides immediate grading and feedback for online tests, helping students identify areas of improvement without waiting for manual corrections.
This feature not only saves you time but also boosts student confidence as they see their progress in real-time.
5. Supports Multilingual Classrooms with Differentiated Instruction
In many ESL classrooms, students come from diverse language backgrounds. Spelling Test Buddy’s flexibility allows you to create separate tests for different proficiency levels, ensuring that all students are challenged appropriately. This adaptability makes it a perfect fit for multilingual classrooms where differentiation is key.
6. Practice Anytime, Anywhere
Consistency is critical when learning a new language. With Spelling Test Buddy, students can practice their spelling skills from any device—whether at school, home, or even on the go. This accessibility empowers students to take ownership of their learning, leading to better outcomes.
Implementation Success: A TESOL Case Study
A TESOL instructor at an Ohio high school implemented Spelling Test Buddy as part of her comprehensive language program. She uses a systematic approach:
- Monday: Introduces personalized word lists based on individual student needs
- Mid-week: Utilizes multi-modal practice including tactile activities and digital practice
- Friday: Conducts assessments through the platform
The result? Improved student engagement, better retention, and more efficient progress monitoring.
Getting Started with Spelling Test Buddy in Your TESOL Classroom
Implementation is straightforward:
- Create your free Teacher account to try it out
- Set up your word lists by using some of our 420+ pre-made word lists, or by creating your own
- Set up your virtual classroom of Students, organized into Groups
- Assign practice sessions and tests
- Monitor student progress through our Reports
Conclusion
As a TESOL professional, you need tools that support both your teaching methodology and your students’ learning journey. Spelling Test Buddy offers a research-based, practical solution that aligns with TESOL principles while saving you valuable preparation time.
Sign up today and discover how Spelling Test Buddy can enhance your TESOL instruction.