I am leaving this choice on my web page for parents with older students. This
is not used in kindergarten.
Spelling Strategies Strategies
How to Use Them
Steps for Spelling New Words
1. Look at the word and say it.
2. Spell it aloud.
3. Think about it.
4. Picture it.
5. Look at it and write it.
6. Cover, write, and check it.
Rhyming Helpers
Link a word with a rhyming word that is spelled the same at the end
Problem Parts
Identify the part of the word that gives you problems and study it extra hard:
Creating Memory Tricks
Link tricky words with a memory helper that has the same problem letters:
Tell that mosquito to quit biting me.
Using Meaning Helpers
Pair a word with a shorter, related word that gives a sound clue:
act--action
hea--health
Divide and Conquer
Divide a word into smaller parts:
team/mate
beauti/ful
ar/ti/fi/cial
Pronouncing for Spelling Pronounce a word correctly:
pro/ba/bly
Or make up a secret pronunciation:
choc/o/late
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Are you tired of practicing those spelling words the same old way?
Here are some new ideas that will definitely get your child excited about
spelling!
Write the words in shaving cream! This can be especially fun during bath
time.
Keep magnetic letters on the fridge for easy access to those spelling words!
Play Hangman.
Spelling Puzzle: write each letter of a word on a piece of cardboard. Then,
cut the letters into puzzle pieces. Allow your child to piece together the
letters to spell each word.
Write your spelling words on multi-colored index cards. Have your child
alphabetize them. Punch holes in them and put them on a ring. Now your
child has their very own spelling book!
Make a tape of the spelling words to listen to in the car! Say the word into
the recorder and then spell it slowly. Better yet, have your child record
them himself!
Use your spelling words to write and illustrate a story. Don't worry about
all of the spelling mistakes if your child is making an effort. Let him read
it to the family.
Rainbow Write your spelling words. Use red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and
purple crayons or markers to practice writing your words! Put them in an arc
shape if you want to!
Make a matching game. Write each spelling word on two different index
cards. Turn all the cards facedown and have the first player turn over two
cards. If they match, the player keeps them. If they don't, the player
turns the cards back over and player two begins.
Have your child illustrate the spelling words! Write each word and then draw
a picture beside it to illustrate either the word or what the word means!
Make a word search! Use a highlighter to find the words!
Make a crossword puzzle! Have your child help you create riddles or
sentences for the clues!
Jump rope while spelling!
Put the spelling words to the tune of a favorite song or write a rap!
Spell the words with Alphabits cereal or alphabet pasta. Glue them onto a
poster to increase fine motor skill development!
Throw or roll a ball back and forth with a partner. When the person throws
the ball, they saw the first letter. The person who catches it says the next
letter and so forth.
Trace the words in wet sand or dry salt!
Make a hopscotch board on a sidewalk using letters. Then, have your child
jump on various letters to spell the words.
Spell words in the car on the way to school.
Type your spelling words into a word processing program like Word. Let your
student chose a special font, put them in columns, or select special graphics
to coordinate with the words!
Most importantly have fun!