Both decoding and encoding skills are needed to build a foundation in reading. Decoding is the process of translating written speech into verbal speech sounds by applying knowledge of letter-sound correspondences. In reading, this concept refers to word identification rather than word comprehension. Encoding is the process of using letter-sound knowledge to write or spell words. Students must understand the various spelling patterns and rules of the Spanish language to correctly construct words in their writing. It is important that students apply these rules consistently instead of using invented spelling because they may unknowingly write a word that is real but that they did not intend, causing confusion for their reader.

Students are expected to know that palabras esdrújulas are words with the stress on the third from last syllable. They are always spelled with a written (orthographic) accent. For example, sábado, académico, océano, película. Students should be able to use these words appropriately in their written work.

Students are expected to know that palabras graves are words with the stress on the next to last syllable. They may have a written (orthographic) or unwritten (prosodic) accent depending on specific spelling rules. For example, mesa, avispa, cocinero, árbol, fácil, césped, cráter. Students should be able to use these words appropriately in their written work.

All Spanish words have a pronunciation stress on specific syllables. This pronunciation stress is called the prosodic accent. In some cases, such stress must be indicated by a written mark known as orthographic accent or tilde. Diverse orthographic rules determine when it is appropriate to use an orthographic accent to signal the pronunciation stress. The following words show in bold the syllable that carries the pronunciation stress, but don’t require a written accent: ca-sa, ho-tel, ma-ri-po-sa, a-mu-le-to. In contrast, the following words have an orthographic accent: le-ón, ca-rác-ter, brú-ju-la, at-mós-fe-ra.

Students are expected to know that palabras agudas are words with the stress on the last syllable. Palabras agudas may have an unwritten (prosodic) or written (orthographic) accent depending on specific spelling rules. For example, aceptar, final, decir, avión, bebé, camarón, decisión. Students should be able to use these words appropriately in their written communications.