Spelling can often be a difficult task for some children. As a parent, you may be worried about their abilities and wonder if there is anything you can do to help them improve. Luckily, there are some things you can use, like rewards charts and a Scrabble word finder, to help.
Before we delve in, it is important to remember that your children deserve time to relax. When it comes to spelling, try not to cram in hours of practice each day, as this can cause your child to feel overwhelmed. Now that's been said, let's dive in!
Sound Out Words
Help your child identify phonetic patterns in words by sounding them out. Say a word to your child and ask them to repeat it back to you. Once they have said it out loud, ask them to spell it.
Doing this encourages them to spell words correctly as they learn to identify patterns that help them. If your child is young, try to stick to words that are spelled the same way as they sound.
Choosing words that are too complex straight away can make it very confusing for them. If you need help sounding out words to your children, don't hesitate to use the internet to your advantage.
There are plenty of articles out there that can offer valuable advice. In fact one of the best things you can do is teach kids the basic letters of the alphabet, teaching them both the sounds, the names and showing them how to write them. If you want some free letter tracing worksheets then head on over to Homeschool Preschool!
Test Spelling Using Flashcards
Flashcards are a popular memorization tool that you can use to test your child's spelling ability. It can make the prospect of learning more fun, so your child is less likely to feel pressured to learn.
Instead, they have fun engaging in the activity. Write a word on each flashcard and place it face down.
Pick up a card, read the word out loud, and then ask your child to write it on the back of the card. After all cards are complete, you can compare the spelling on each card and identify any errors.
This activity can enrich your child and boost their self-esteem when they get an answer right.
Take a look at some spelling flashcards online. There are plenty to choose from, and they vary across different age ranges.
Engage in Board Games Like Scrabble
We are all familiar with the popular board game Scrabble. It is a fun word game that can certainly provide entertainment for the whole family. It can also be a subtle way to help your child practice their spelling.
The game requires your child to unscramble letters and make words out of them. It encourages them to use their spelling skills - alongside vocabulary and reading.
Your child will be having too much fun to notice that they are also learning along the way! Now, there are even scrabble word finders available online.
Your child can use tools like these to play around with letters and learn how to create different words. You can check it out for yourself over on scrabble-solver.com.
Trace Words
Another popular technique that is used to assist spelling ability is tracing. Start by splitting a piece of paper into three columns. In the first column, write down a list of words your child is struggling with.
Then, ask your child to take a piece of tracing paper and trace over each word one by one. Once the word is traced, ask them to write it down in the next column. The final column will be the real test.
Cover the words with your hand and ask your child to write down the word. It is a popular memorization technique that offers some incredible results.
Don't be disappointed if this doesn't work the first time, as practice is vital!
Let Them Be the Teacher
To keep your child engaged with spelling, try to switch the roles from time to time. Letting your child become the teacher makes it exciting for them - and makes their spelling sessions more fun.
Give your child a list of words that are all spelled wrong. Ask them to write the correct spelling above each word. It encourages them to think creatively. If they struggle, ask them to say the word out loud.
This will help them identify phonetic patterns that will help them identify errors. It can also be good to have a rewards chart (you can find these easily online).
Rewarding your child for their good behaviour can do a lot for their confidence, and it encourages them to carry on learning and improving their skills.
Be Patient
Spelling is a learning curve. Some children will struggle with it more than others. As a parent, you must remain patient with them as they work on improving their skills.
You don't want your child to feel under pressure. This can cause them to feel stressed, and they may struggle to better themselves.
During times like these, they need your support. Take a look at some patience tips online to help you.
Remind yourself that your child is doing their best. It may take time until you start seeing some improvement, but with consistent practice, they will get there in the end. If they are really struggling, don't be afraid to ask your child's school for some help.
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