Why do teachers allow "inventive spelling" while essay writing?

Question

Is "inventive spelling" appropriate while essay writing?

Answer 1

Usually, teachers allow "inventive" spelling in the early stages of writing so that the writer is focused more on getting their ideas out than worrying about being "correct". During the editing/proofreading process, spelling is usually corrected, along with grammar and mechanics. There are times, though, when "inventive" spelling is retained because it might fit the persona of a character in a story or because the student has a learning disability and making them use correct spelling all the time could create anxiety or make them not want to write at all. Those are just a few reasons, but any teacher could have a lot more!

Answer 2

Teachers allow "inventive spelling" during the draft essay writing process because the teachers and authors are more interested in the author getting their thoughts down on paper. Ignoring the spelling errors is temporary and the intention is to not interrupt the thought process. Later, when revising and editing, the author can use a dictionary (if hand writing) or spell check (if writing electronically) to eliminate spelling errors. If your student says, "My teacher lets me spell however I want," let your student know that you're onto them and that it is only temporary for the draft!