The Problem
A whole-class spelling list gives every student the same words, even though students are at different stages of spelling development. Scoring an inventory by hand and building a list for each student takes more time than most teachers have.
The Idea
Gemini Notebook scores a photo of the student's spelling inventory against its scoring guide, names the features the student has and hasn't mastered, and builds a weekly list that targets them. Each Friday's results become a new source, so the next list adjusts.
The Steps
Step 1. Give the inventory: Use the Words Their Way Elementary Spelling Inventory (a free copy is linked on this page).
Step 2. Create the notebook: Name it with a code ("Speller 07"), not a name. Upload the inventory, its scoring guide and a photo of the student's test.
Step 3. Score: "Score this inventory with the scoring guide. List features mastered, partial and not yet mastered, with example words." Check it and correct errors in chat.
Step 4. Build the list: "Make a 20-word list for week 1 targeting not-yet-mastered features, plus [3] review words (if necessary)."
Step 5. Update weekly: Each Friday, add the test results (or even just the words that were missed): "Compare to earlier data and build next week's list."
Step 6. Next student: Copy the notebook, swap in the next test photo, and repeat.
