Why Spelling Instruction Matters for Reading and Writing | Dr. Brennan Chandler

Why does spelling matter so much when children are learning to read and write? And how can parents and teachers help children who struggle with spelling?

Spelling is more than memorizing words for a weekly test. It's a foundational literacy skill that supports reading, writing, and children's ability to express their ideas.

In this episode of The Reading Symphony, Katie Megrian speaks with Dr. Brennan Chandler, Assistant Professor of Dyslexia at Georgia State University, about the science of spelling and why effective spelling instruction is essential for developing confident readers and writers.

Dr. Chandler explains how spelling connects to phonics, word reading, and written expression, why some children struggle with spelling even when they can read fluently, and what evidence-based spelling instruction looks like in practice.

They also discuss spelling interventions for children with dyslexia, practical ways to support spelling development at home, and the Dyslexia Parent Project, which aims to help families navigate reading difficulties, evaluations, and special education.

Chapters

00:00 – Why Spelling Is Essential for Writing

00:58 – Meet Dr. Brennan Chandler

01:46 – From Classroom Teacher to Dyslexia Researcher

06:06 – Are Teachers Better Prepared to Teach Reading Today?

09:56 – The Reading Symphony Substack

10:27 – Why Spelling Matters for Reading and Writing

11:54 – Does Writing Still Matter in the Age of AI?

13:19 – Reading Is Knowledge, but Writing Is Power

16:15 – Why Spelling and Reading Develop Differently

19:45 – Connecting Spelling Instruction With Phonics

20:48 – Why Spelling Needs Dedicated Instruction

23:15 – Teaching Multisyllabic Words and Morphology

24:46 – Helping Children Apply Spelling Skills to Writing

28:55 – Research on Parent-Led Spelling Interventions

31:00 – How Structured Spelling Intervention Works

35:45 – Supporting Children With Dyslexia Through Their IEPs

38:15 – Introducing the Dyslexia Parent Project

39:00 – Helping Parents Navigate Dyslexia and Special Education

44:50 – Practical Spelling Resources for Families

Connect with Dr. Brennan Chandler

Website: https://brennanchandler.com/index.html

Dyslexia Parent Project: https://dyslexiaparentproject.org/

Parent Toolkit: https://brennanchandler.com/toolkit-parents

Spell Squad: https://brennanchandler.com/spellsquad/

Instagram: @brennanchandlerphd

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brennanchandler/

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