Methods and Theories of Learning to Spell Tested by Studies of Deaf Children

Abstract

Research is reported on the reading and spelling ability of children congenitally deaf. In comparison with their other linguistic abilities and with normal children of similar reading experience, deaf children 1) greatly excel in spelling ability, and 2) possess extraordinary word-perception ability. Both abilities appear due to a peculiarly effective type of perceiving which relies on a visual reaction to words. For normal children learning to spell, much may be gained by visual study of the word and mastering the habit of writing the word.