Searching for spelling study tips? Looking for ideas on how to help your child master those spelling words? Just want to help your child pass spelling tests? Below are a few suggestions on how to help your child with spelling.
Display the words all over the house.
This one is not the best idea if you have company coming or are hosting your best friend’s baby shower. However, if you don’t mind decorating your house with spelling words, this might help. Simply print off the spelling words every week in very large font. Then, tape the words all over the house. Some places include the bathroom mirror, by your child’s bed, and next to the fridge.
Encourage your children to look at the words frequently and also randomly ask him/her to read the words at times. For example, if you child asks if he/she can play legos, say “Sure! You can after you read (and then spell) the word posted by the light switch.”
This tip mostly promotes reading. However, by reading the words frequently, he/she will be more likely to spell them correctly. For an added touch, find a picture of the online and print it next to it. Or, encourage your child to draw a picture of the item or activity.
Practice in the car.
This is a great idea if you spend lots of time transporting kids to soccer, gymnastics, etc. Keep a copy of the list, a pencil and a notebook in the car. Give random spelling tests during commutes, or encourage him/her to copy the words. If your child needs an incentive, have a “prize bag” in the car with stickers, gum, etc that you child can pick from after finishing the work.
Tape record.
Some kids love to tape record their voice! Have your child read and spell the words while you tape record them. If you have a tape player in your car, play it back on the way to school or other events. Also, create songs and play them in the car as well. This tip works well if your child is an auditory learner.
Play spelling games online.
Some sites such a Spelling City here let your child practice the words through games and tests. If he/she doesn’t already, ask your child’s teacher if he/she could enter them. (If not, its not that hard for you to do so.)
Use Whipped Cream, Finger Paint, and Icing
For an occasional treat, allow your child to practice the words using whipped cream, write-able icing and finger paint. This can be messy (and unhealthy) but is a fun way to master spelling words.
Practice Everyday
I know it can be challenging, but it is best to practice the words every single day. Last minute cramming is not usually effective. Try to develop a routine. For example, have 7:15 – 7:30 as the set time to copy or practice words every day.
Give at least two practice tests a week.
Try to administer one practice test on Tuesday, and one on Thursday. If he/she misses some words, encourage him/her to write them at least three times. Then (if possible) test him or her again. Repetition can help him/her master the words.
Have a cool pen / pencil for practicing words.
Reserve a special pen or pencil that is used only for spelling at home. This alone will probably not motivate him/her to practice, however it might make it a little more tolerable. Some ideas are a pencil shaped like a rocket, or markers that write invisible until colored over. Glow-in-the-Dark markers might entice your child as well.
These are just a handful of tips to hep your child practice spelling words. As a parent, you can help your child succeed by helping him develop great study skills.
For more parenting advice please read “Twenty Things for Kids to Do Besides Watching TV.” Also, check out “Top Websites for Moms: Find Support and Resources Online. Happy Parenting!
