Spelling Activities
We employ a number of methods to help children learn to spell words. We especially look for patterns that can be found across words in the English language. Most of our spelling lists are arranged according to these patterns. Spelling assignments and activities may be given to help children learn spelling patterns, to have practice with using words in context, to become familiar with definitions, or to practice other word-related skills. Here are some of the activities in which your child will take part.
Spelling City
This is a website and an app that provide a variety of interactive learning activities for students. Each week, I update the website with our new spelling words so that students can have practice tailored to what they are currently studying. Activities include Spelling TestMe, Spelling TeachMe, Audio Word Match, Missing Letter, Test-N-Teach, Word Unscramble, Word Search, Hang-Mouse, Read-a-Word, Alphabetize, Handwriting, and Sentence Unscramble.
Word Card Activities
Children will write spelling words on slips of paper (word cards). These cards are used for a variety of word-related activities.
Spelling City
This is a website and an app that provide a variety of interactive learning activities for students. Each week, I update the website with our new spelling words so that students can have practice tailored to what they are currently studying. Activities include Spelling TestMe, Spelling TeachMe, Audio Word Match, Missing Letter, Test-N-Teach, Word Unscramble, Word Search, Hang-Mouse, Read-a-Word, Alphabetize, Handwriting, and Sentence Unscramble.
Word Card Activities
Children will write spelling words on slips of paper (word cards). These cards are used for a variety of word-related activities.
- Word Sort: Children place their word cards into various groups according to the patterns we are discussing in class. The categories may be found on the memory work/spelling page just above the actual words. Words that do not fit in any of the groups are placed in an "oddball" category. When this is an assignment, children must then write these words in their notebooks. An example might end up looking like this:
|
PH
graph phone photo |
SH
trash |
TH
thick mother |
CH
chart checkup children chef |
ODDBALL
hop I |
- Alphabetical Order: Children place their word cards in alphabetical order. Using word cards also allows them to be able to easily fix mistakes after checking their work. When this is an assignment, children must then write these words in their notebooks.
- Word Quiz: Students can ask a helper to choose words from the word cards that the child must spell correctly, either orally or written. Writing the words gives students better practice for when they actually need to write the words, but some children do learn better through talking. Students may also quiz themselves by looking quickly at the words and then attempting to spell them correctly, though this is somewhat less effective. When using word cards as part of a word quiz, it is good to make a pile of words that are mastered and another pile of words on which to work. Celebrate successes. Keep working on the challenges.