Sheffield schools given free access to DJ inspired spelling software during coronavirus crisis

Spelling Beats, a new online learning programme which uses gaming elements to allow children to step into the role of a DJ to learn the rules of spelling, has been made available for to schools thanks to funding from education charity Shine UK.

An alternative to home-learning worksheets, it combines a graphics with original music tracks in genres including grime, reggae, and rock, and is already being used by schools in Sheffield including Hinde House, in Shiregreen.

It has been created by former teacher Michelle Lockwood, who has previously worked at schools in Rotherham and Barnsley, and covers the whole primary school curriculum for spelling, plus a range of secondary subject-specific keywords.

Michelle said: “I’ve been working to develop this project for the last two years so it’s fantastic to see it go live and I hope it will help engage all children from those being home-schooled to those children of key workers still attending school.

“After working as a teacher in both primary and secondary schools, what is clear is that spelling is often an area of weakness for children, which can lead to them developing confidence issues and difficult attitudes towards writing. “

“As this programme has been both teacher and technology led, I hope that this will help shift students’ perceptions and they will no longer see spelling as boring.”

Paul Ridgway, CEO of technology firm The Curve which helped develop the programme, added: “During these unprecedented times we think it is really important that we can use technology to better connect, better educate and better serve the community.

“This has been an invaluable project to work on and Michelle’s creative input has made it a fun accessible game we hope will be enjoyed by children of all ages.”

Qualifying schools will receive the free subscription until September, giving the most vulnerable pupils access to the full Spelling Beats programme throughout this time.

Teachers can log on to www.spellingbeats.com for more information.

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

Subscribe to The Star website and enjoy unlimited access to local news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content.

Visit https://www.thestar.co.uk/subscriptions now to sign up.

Our journalism costs money and we rely on advertising, print and digital revenues to help to support them. By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.

Thank you

Nancy Fielder, editor