Improve Spelling Test Results: Fun Study Methods to Help Memorize Spelling Words

Some students will have a hard time passing spelling tests. Grade school children can easily get frustrated trying to memorize spelling words. After my kids transferred to a new school, I was pleased with suggestions teachers gave to help kids study for spelling tests. We found these study methods fun with successful results.

Writing Spelling Words in Sand, Salt, Sugar

Fill a shallow container with sand, salt or sugar. Children can write their spelling words using Popsicle sticks. Then put a lid on the container to save for following weeks. My daughter was excited to practice her spelling words each week and we noticed remarkable difference in her spelling test scores.

Painting Spelling Words Using Watercolor, Fingerpaint

For children who enjoy arts and crafts, this method works well. My daughter writes her spelling words using watercolor and pins finished results on her wall. Then she can look at her spelling words all week.

Cheering Spelling Words

Encourage your child to become a cheerleader and cheer her spelling words. This is something your child can do away from home. Take spelling words with you while running errands. Your child can cheer spelling words on the go.

Spell Words with Magnetic Letters

Purchase a set of plastic magnetic letters available at discount, toy, and department stores. Have your child find the letters to spell words and stick to a magnetic board or refrigerator.

Parents can further help children study for spelling tests by looking over the spelling words together.

Say the spelling word aloud. Have your child think of a time she has heard the word before. Ask her what the word means. Look up the word in a Children's dictionary for the proper definition.

Look at the spelling word. Have your child look for parts of the word she knows. Tell her to picture the word in her mind and think of a word that has the same part in it.

Spell the word. Have your child think about how each sound is spelled. Look at each letter and find letter patterns.

Write the spelling word on paper. Have your child write the word clearly and correctly.

Check what has been learned. Have your child cover the word and write it. Practice the incorrect spelling words again.

Helping your child study her spelling words will give you an idea what methods work best for your child. Make the spelling activity positive and fun for best results.

Source:

Harcourt Brace Spelling