Another key point to add to the previous Nuggets on Spelling (click on the tag below this post to see the others):
When elementary children are delving into the origins of language, root words, etymology - those things without official album page presentations but that are listed as "work of the child" - they will come to find patterns in our language in a more interesting and enriching way to than memorizing the rules and ALL the exceptions. (yes some of those need to be learned too)
Ever notice that national spelling bee participants always ask for the etymology (among other context clues) ? Yep. They are on to something!
;)
