Funny anecdote, when I moved to New York from Canada I thought that overnight I had lost my ability to spell.  When I began working as a Learning Specialist here in Manhattan, every report and learning document I created came back hacked up from the editors. I was initially perplexed but began to investigate the differences between American and British spellings. It turns out I can spell,  I just wasn’t versed in American Standard English.  Therein lies the tricky thing about mastering the English language, not only is it not phonetic, but there are also multiple ways to spell certain words.

You can add the ‘e” in likeable in Canada or the UK, but in America they really would rather you left it likable. You can double consonants in travelled, modelling or counsellor, but on US soil they prefer you if you traveled or took up modeling.  If you wish you can accessorize your outfit in L.A. but in Toronto you accessorise.  You can head to the London theatre but you will go to a theater in Manhattan. Don’t even get me started on adding or omitting “u” in everything from favourite or colour.  Mastering these nuances can be a challenge for any young (or old in my case) learner.  Luckily we have some fun ways to learn to spell and build that understanding of English orthographic mechanics.  Below you will find my latest article for the Yellin Center Blog.

Continue reading “Latest Article: Spelling Apps”