by Andrew Jennings
Encourage your child to read books, newspapers, and magazines regularly. Exposure to well-written texts helps in building a strong vocabulary and improves spelling skills.
Display a word wall in your home with frequently misspelled words. Encourage your child to refer to it while writing and regularly practice spelling those words.
Teach your child to break down words into syllables or smaller phonetic units. Understanding the phonetic structure of words can aid in spelling them correctly.
Help your child create mnemonic devices or memory aids for challenging words. These can be acronyms, rhymes, or visual cues that assist in remembering the correct spelling.
Engage in interactive spelling games with your child, such as Scrabble, Boggle, or word puzzles. These games make spelling practice enjoyable and reinforce word recognition.
Explore online resources, such as spelling websites or apps, that offer interactive spelling exercises and activities. These can provide additional practice and engagement.
Encourage your child to write regularly. They can keep a journal, write stories, or participate in pen-pal exchanges. Regular writing practice strengthens spelling skills.
When your child is learning a new word or practicing spelling, have them spell it aloud. Hearing and speaking the letters helps reinforce the correct spelling in their memory.
Introduce variety in spelling practice. Instead of solely relying on writing exercises, incorporate activities like spelling bees, word scrambles, or spelling relays to keep it interesting.
Teach your child to proofread their writing for spelling errors. After completing a writing task, ask them to review it carefully, looking for any misspelled words, and correct them.
Or…grab a copy of Spell Like a Ninja which explains each rule as children encounter them on their learning journey through school. Spell Like a Ninja is also packed with practical strategies, ideas and top tips to make spelling a more enjoyable experience for everyone.
