Homophones, or as they are more commonly called, homonyms, are words
spelled differently but pronounced alike. Throughout the text of this
book they have been purposely kept apart. Investigation strongly points
to the conclusion that they should be kept apart until the correct
spelling has become a fixed habit, and the ability to use them correctly
in sentences reasonably sure. In order that no confusion as to the
proper use of a homophone may arise in the child’s mind, it should be
presented in a phrase, or still better in a complete sentence. In
dictating words it should never be taken for granted that the child
knows which one of a pair of homophones is meant. A sentence should be
given to show which one is required. Spelling _there_ correctly in a
column of words does not necessarily mean that the word would be spelled
correctly in a sentence. If the child _always_ hears it in its proper
setting there will be a tendency always to _see_ it in this setting with
the correct spelling naturally following.