For many kids, especially those struggling spellers, learning a list of words each week is absolute drudgery. Monday, write the words 5 times each. Tuesday, write the words in stairs. Wednesday, find the definitions to the words. Thursday, use the words in a sentence. Friday, spelling test. Sound familiar?
It’s always good to employ more than one type of learning modality when teaching. Sometimes doing this can be a bit tricky. Here are some ideas to help make spelling more fun in your homeschool.
First is what I call invisible writing. Have your student spell a word with their eyes open. Next, ask them to close their eyes and spell the same word from memory. With their eyes open, spell the word again. Now, have them shut their eyes and write the word in the air with their finger.
Word searches and word scrambles are fun and a great way to help with spelling words. Way back when we had to make these tedious games by hand. Fortunately, there are many free programs available on the internet where all you do is type in the words, adjust options like level of difficulty, and print! Voila! Instant fun!
Hangman or charades are other fun games that can use spelling words to play. Either play with your child or have another sibling assist with setting up the game or even have them take turns with each others word list. In this instance not only are you having them learn their words, but, also creating a sense of comradery.
Let’s not forget vocabulary! To help teach the vocabulary component of spelling, there are also many free online resources available. Some of these resources allow you to choose to make multiple choice quizzes or crossword puzzles.
Utilizing some of these variations will not only help you teach in more than one learning mode but will help aid in retention, scare away the spelling ‘blahs’, and make Friday’s test go better!
What are some of your tried and true spelling activities?
Check out spelling resources at Rainbow Resource Center!
