Children learn to spell much easier when they have a better grasp on speaking and how letters are used to form words, according to Scholastic, a nonprofit resource for teachers. Memorization is not the best technique for teaching kids how to spell. Instead, it is better to help children understand phonetics and how putting various letter sounds together forms words.
Step 1
Read to your child from birth. As children are exposed to the written word, they can more easily make the transition to writing and spelling. They will intuitively know that the written word is another mode of communication and better understand the basics as they begin spelling lessons.
Step 2
Talk to your child about words and how they are formed. As you teach your child the alphabet, encourage her to recognize letters in new words. Encourage her to look for other words that contain the same letters.
Step 3
Write words on a piece of paper with a dark marker and place a piece of tracing paper over it to allow your child to play tracing games. The activity will help him develop writing skills and recognize the patterns of letters. Gently guide your child's hand so that he can learn how to coordinate and manipulate a pencil.
Step 4
Place signs and notes around the house with new words written on them that your child can see regularly. According to the Child Development Institute, you can help your child spell words by taping words in the bathroom, kitchen and in her bedroom. Spell words on the refrigerator with magnetic letters.
Step 5
Play listening games and ask your child to name letters in spoken words. For example, ask what letter makes the sound at the end of the words "fell," "spell" and "tell." When children can associate talking with reading and writing, they are more interested in learning how to spell to master their communication skills.
Tips and Warnings
- Parents, teachers and caregivers can incorporate spelling into most daily activities. You can find words on signs when you're outside. Offer a reward when a child finds a misspelled word in a letter or a sign or in his own work. According to Math and Reading Help for Kids, developing awareness of words and their proper spelling becomes habitual for kids. By looking for errors in their own work, they also develop a skill for self-editing, which is practice that will serve them well throughout their academic and professional careers.
- Encouragement and positive reinforcement go a lot further when teaching children any subject. According to a former English teacher at Spelling Hemscott, children who are criticized constantly for making spelling mistakes will not learn as quickly as those kids who are praised consistently for their successes.
Things You'll Need
- Black markers
- Tracing paper
- Magnetic letters
- Sticky notes
