According to Karen Kellaher, author of "Spelling Secrets," spelling instruction has changed so that a more intense focus is placed on the connection between reading, writing and proper spelling. The ability to correctly spell words is an essential skill your child must master to be successful in all areas of school. If your child struggles to grasp spelling concepts, you can help him by integrating a variety of entertaining and engaging activities into his practice time.
Step 1
Make a poster that lists the words your child struggles with. Kellaher recommends a spelling poster because it will help your child become more familiar with the words he has a hard time spelling. Write each word on a large piece of paper or poster board and encourage your child to decorate it. Hang it in a prominent spot in your home, such as where your child does his homework, to promote regular association with the words. Over time, he will become so familiar with the words that he will be able to spell them easily. Change the words on the poster as your child grows and encounters more challenging words.
Step 2
Play games with your child's spelling word list. Nancy Jolson Leber, author of "25 Super-Fun Spelling Games," writes that games will make spelling enjoyable for your child while also making the words come alive for her. Writing her spelling words on index cards and then encouraging her to sort them in different ways, such as by beginning or ending sound or vowel sound, will help her become more familiar with her spelling words. You can try making two copies of each card and playing a game of memory with your child. Other ideas include spelling bingo or making lists of words that rhyme with each spelling word.
Step 3
Instruct your child to write a story using all of the spelling words on his weekly list. Kellaher says that by writing stories, your child will become more familiar with each of his spelling words so that he is able to spell them correctly in the future. Another idea is to encourage your child to use one of the words on his spelling poster each time he completes a spelling or writing assignment. Regular practice of all his spelling words, past and present, will increase his ability to recognize them and successfully spell them.
Step 4
Give your child word puzzles to complete. You can create word searches or crossword puzzles using your child's spelling words, recommends Kellaher. Try giving your child a list of his spelling words and have him circle words that have the same beginning, middle or ending sound. Writing a story and leaving blanks where spelling words would fit in is another entertaining way to encourage your child to practice her words. You also can write your child's spelling words and leave a few letters missing so your child can fill in the blanks.
Step 5
Make the spelling words memorable by being silly when teaching them. Kellaher writes that memorizing words is often easier if your child is engaged and excited. You can try turning your child's spelling words into chants or cheers. Encourage him to yell out each letter of his spelling words as he touches his toes to get him to participate in practicing. Spelling words in funny voices, using accents or singing them are other ways to teach them. Leber adds that any way you get involved with your child and his spelling words will increase his ability to master them.
Tips and Warnings
- Try making your child a personal dictionary that he can use when reading and writing. Write each of his new spelling words in the dictionary so he has all of his words at his fingertips.
- Avoid criticizing your child when he misses words on homework assignments or spelling tests. Instead, encourage him to keep trying and continue introducing new ways to learn the spelling words to prevent him from giving up.
Things You'll Need
- Large paper
- Marker
- Index cards
- Pencil
- Paper
References
- "Spelling Secrets"; Karen Kellaher; 2003
- "25 Super-Fun Spelling Games: Easy, Reproducible Games That Help Kids Learn the Words on Their Spelling List"; Nancy Jolson Leber; 1999
