What Spelling Errors Reveal and Why They Matter with Sydney Bassard
Spelling Errors as a Window Into Learning
In this episode, I sit down with speech-language pathologist Sydney Bassard to unpack one of the most powerful (and often misunderstood) tools in literacy instruction: spelling error analysis.
Together, we explore how spelling, reading, and writing are deeply interconnected—and why looking beyond percent correct can completely change how we support students.
Whether you’re a classroom teacher, literacy coach, interventionist, or SLP, this conversation will help you see student spelling errors not as mistakes, but as meaningful data.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
The Relationship Between Reading, Spelling, and Writing
Why spelling should not be taught in isolation
How strong spelling supports decoding and written expression
Why writing breakdowns often reveal deeper language needs
Thinking Beyond Percent Correct
Why right vs. wrong doesn’t tell the whole story
How spelling errors provide insight into a child’s linguistic system
How error analysis helps make limited instructional time count
Types of Spelling Errors (and What They Tell Us)
Sydney breaks down the three main categories of spelling errors:
Phonological errors: sound substitutions, omissions, or additions
Orthographic errors: incorrect spelling patterns that still make phonetic sense
Morphological errors: errors with endings, plurals, or word parts
You’ll also hear why a single spelling error can fall into more than one category.
Red Flags to Watch For
Error patterns that persist over time, not just one-off mistakes
Lack of carryover after explicit instruction
Consistent sound errors that may signal deeper phonological or auditory processing needs
Invented Spelling: Helpful or Harmful?
Why invented spelling has a valid role in early literacy
When it supports growth and when it becomes a concern
How to celebrate attempts while still modeling conventional spelling
High-Impact Spelling Instruction
Why spelling instruction should be woven into reading and writing
How to get more instructional value by using connected text
Simple ways to extend spelling practice into real-life contexts
Collaboration Between Teachers and SLPs
Why schools often underutilize in-house expertise
How literacy teachers and SLPs can better support shared students
Why collaboration benefits all learners, not just those with IEPs
Key Takeaway
Ditch percent correct and dig deeper.
Spelling errors are not random. When analyzed thoughtfully, they guide more targeted, effective instruction.
What Gives Us Hope
Sydney shares why she is optimistic about the future of spelling instruction: increased collaboration, stronger conversations across disciplines, and a growing commitment to integrating spelling, reading, and writing early and intentionally.
Connect With Sydney
You can find Sydney on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and LinkedIn @thelisteningSLP.
Website: www.thelisteningslp.com
Want More?
Explore more Science of Reading PD, decodables, small-group planning tools, coaching sessions, and literacy resources at Route2Reading inside the Literacy Edventures Membership.
