Open the spelling book to the first spelling list. Spelling list numbers are listed on the left page near the upper left side of the page. The lesson number is located on the bottom right of the page.
Correspond the lesson number listed on the bottom of the page with the school day. Keep in mind that you won't use the actual spelling textbook every day of the school week.
Introduce the spelling list number, and read any special tips or rules located near the top of the page. For example, spelling list number one reminds students about the one vowel rule, spelling list number two reminds students about the two vowel rule, and spelling list four reminds students when to use "k" or "ck" when they hear the "k" sound in a word.
Read each word from the book aloud, while the class looks at the printed words in the book or on the blackboard. "Walk" through each word, sounding it out so that students get a better understanding of how the letters work together to form the word. For example, the first word in the Spelling list one is "man." Remind students what each letter sounds like, and show them how to combine the letters to form the word.
Assign students the worksheet under the spelling list on the appropriate day. Depending on the assignment, students may fill in the blank, color a rhyming word or copy the printed word.
Read through the spelling words each day of the week, pointing to the word on the board as you read it. This ensures that students associate the printed word with the word they hear you say.
Assign students to copy the spelling words on a piece of paper each day. This helps them memorize the list and helps them with their writing skills as well.
Assign students the other worksheet on the appropriate day. For example, spelling list one assigns page 2 on lesson 20 and page 3 for lesson 22.
Test students on the spelling list in coordination with the A Beka Book "Letters and Sounds 1" phonics test books. Although first graders aren't tested on every word in the spelling list, they should still know how to spell each word to help them build their knowledge and skills. For example, phonics test one and two don't test any spelling words, phonics test three tests only five spelling words and phonics test five tests six spelling words from the list. Administer the phonics test and grade it according to the suggestions on the teacher test key.