Creative Ways to Help your Kids with Spelling

My son is a good student, but for some reason, he struggles with the subject of spelling. I'm not sure if this is because it is boring to him and he doesn't put forth the effort, or if it is just an area that challenges him. Whatever the reason, it definitely demands our attention. My education background tells me that while being a poor speller will not make or break a career path, schooling will be easier if you learn to spell words correctly. I know plenty of professionals who cannot spell at all and reference a dictionary often.

The more exposure to the spelling words, the better, The weeks that we study only the night before the test, he does not do very well. However, when I have him study and practice the words a little each day, he becomes familiar with them and does much better! It is also easier to do a small amount each day instead of a long time on one evening - trust me. So, I've come up with a list of creative ways to expose your kids to their spelling words so that when they are tested, the correct spelling comes more natural to them. Hopefully the spelling words will migrate to their long term memory instead of leaving right after the test.

Also, it is important to help your child understand certain spelling rules and patterns. You can ask the teacher where you can find this information or search for spelling rules online. Just know that the English language is crazy and there are always exceptions to every rule.

Spelling Study Tip #1: Fill-in the Blank
Take the spelling list and create a fill-in the blank sheet. Be sure to change the order of the words from the original list. You can give them the list to help them figure out what the words are.

Spelling Study Tip #2: Word Scramble
This is a fun word game to play with spelling words. Take each word and write the letters out of order and have your child unscramble them. They can use the spelling list to see what words they are trying to spell.

Spelling Study Tip #3: Word Search
A word search is something that may be difficult for younger children, but you can make it easy by using fewer letters on the board. This can be created by hand by using graph or grid paper with large squares. First outline a square or other fun shape with a Sharpie marker and then write all of the spelling words - one letter per square. Then fill in the other squares with random letters. Give your child a highlighter marker to find the words or a colorful pen to circle the words. You can also find word search creators on-line for free.

Spelling Study Tip #4: Crossword Puzzle
This takes more time to create by hand, but will also help your child learn the meaning of each word which they may not be doing in school. You will need grid paper with large squares. I usually make two sets, one with the words that I do first and then I trace the word boxes only on another piece of paper. First make clues for each of the words. Next you will need to create spaces for the words in the grid. Be sure to overlap the letters so the grid connects. Now take the clues and number them so they match where the word goes. My son thinks it is cool that I can make these! You can also find a crossword search creator on-line for free.

Spelling Study Tip #5: Writing the words 3x each
Writing the spelling words over and over can be very boring. Don't skip this, just make it fun instead! Here are a few ways that we practice writing the words: dry erase board with colored markers, paint on paper, sidewalk chalk on the driveway, and markers, crayons, paint pens, and colored glue on paper.

Spelling Study Tip #6: Spell the Words Using Different Mediums
Here are a few ways to practice spelling the words using different materials: type the words on the computer, use letter stickers to spell out on paper, use magnetic letters on the refrigerator, or write letters on separate pieces of paper and have your child put the letters in order to spell each word.

There are so many fun ways to practice spelling words. You can do all of these each week or choose only a few. Just remember to make studying spelling fun!