Spelling in English can be difficult to learn or teach. Some adults have a hard time spelling certain words and remembering the spellings of words that sound the same but have different meanings. Teaching kids to spell can be frustrating for you and your child. According to Teach Kids How, you should not try to teach spelling to a child younger than 5, and even with older children, you should consider how well your child can read before you tackle spelling.
Step 1
Determine a time and location for your child to practice spelling without distractions such as television, radio, cell phones or other noises.
Step 2
Give your child a spelling list, and instruct her to pronounce each word of the spelling list out loud while trying to visualize it. According to Family Education, children learn how to spell by visualizing the word in their minds, not by copying it.
Step 3
Say each word out loud to your child, and then use it in a sentence. Have your child spell each word on a blank piece of paper with a pencil as you say it. According to ESL Teachers Board, the English language is riddled with words that sound the same, and using the word in a sentence helps the child determine the correct word. For example, say, “Pair–there was a pair of shoes on the floor.” This way your child can determine that the word is spelled p-a-i-r and not p-e-a-r.
Step 4
Review any misspelled words. Correct the spelling, and then have your child review steps two and three until he spells all the words correctly.
Tips and Warnings
- Developing your child’s vocal skills and auditory ability improves spelling. According to the Child Development Institute, good spellers make good readers and good speakers, and vice versa. Encourage your child to read many different kinds of literature. Books, magazines, newspaper articles and even comics will help your child’s vocabulary grow.
- Never make your child feel ashamed when she has difficulty spelling. According to Kidsgoals, spelling is a matter of memorization and not of intelligence.
Things You'll Need
- Spelling list
- Pencil
- Paper
