Spelling Matters
Rather than minimize spelling instruction, I find that teaching spelling can be a crucial piece of a good Educational Plan. Studying spelling helps struggling students increase their vocabulary, better understand language patterns, and most importantly, become better communicators in all areas.
Here are six hands-on, multi-sensory ways to practice spelling:
Paint with water – Dip a Q-tip in water and practice writing the words on a chalkboard.
Play-doh practice –Use Play-doh to form spelling words.
Record a Word – Use a tape recorder, (the SmartRecord i-phone app also works well) to practice spelling words. Kids love listening to their own voices!
Rainbow Words – Write spelling words with felt pens, using different colors for various spelling patterns.
Take Three – Write each spelling word three times, alternating between cursive, printing, block letters – whatever writing style you choose.
Pyramid – Write each word starting with one letter only and then adding one letter at a time per row.
In addition, there are some fantastic, free websites that I encourage my students to use for spelling practice:
Kidsspell.com and Spellingcity.com both have fun activities and games. Students can enter their own spelling lists, or choose from various types of spelling lists.
Quizlet.com has a study mode where students type what they hear after the computer reads from the student’s list of words. Quizlet is also great for older students when studying vocabulary, as well as creating flash cards for almost any subject.