This book presents a practical approach for assessing children's spelling and word knowledge abilities and offering effective, appropriate instruction. Included in the book is the Developmental Spelling Analysis (DSA), a dictated word inventory that enables teachers to evaluate students' stages of spelling development and their knowledge of important orthographic features. Detailed guidelines are set forth in the book for engaging students in hands-on word study that is tailored to their specific strengths and weaknesses. Features of the book include narrative "snapshots" of children at different stages of spelling development; numerous examples of student work; suggested word sort activities for each orthographic feature; lists of recommended books and poems; and a focus on fostering a love of words through word play and language appreciation. Appended are reproducible forms for administering the DSA and a list of over 12,000 words arranged by sound, pattern, and meaning-related features. Contains a 115-item list of children's books, a 37-item list of word play and word histories, a glossary, and 70 references. (NKA)