Spelling Lists & Practice Ideas

WAYS  TO  PRACTICE  SPELLING  WORDS

Flash cards     Using index cards, write the words your child is practicing on the front of the card and its definition on the back. Then your child can independently go through the cards by looking at the definition, saying the word out loud and spell it out loud. You can also help test them by reading them the definition and have them say the word out loud and spell it for you out loud. Alternatively, you can use pen and paper and have them write the words.

Let Your Child Text the Words to You     This way to practice spelling words depends, of course, on whether your child has a cell phone and what the plan includes. With unlimited texting, it’s easy enough for you to receive the text, correct the spelling if necessary, and send back an emoji.

Play Hangman      Hangman is a great go-to game when it comes to spelling words. If you have your child use a copy of the spelling list, it will be easier to narrow down which word you’re using. Remember, you can always use the definition as a clue!

Write a Story Using Each Spelling Word     Many teachers ask students to do this with their spelling words for homework, but you can add a twist by giving your child a topic to write or tell a story about. For example, challenge her to write a story about zombies using all the words.

Highlight the Words in the Newspaper     Give your child a highlighter and a pile of newspapers and time him to see how long it takes to find and highlight all the words on the list.

Put Them in ABC Order     While alphabetizing the list won’t necessarily help your child learn to spell each individual word, it will help him recognize the words. For some children, just moving the strips (on which each word is written) around can help them keep the word in their visual memory.

Stair steps     Write the words as if they are stairs, adding one letter at a time.

S

St

Sta

Stai

Stair