How can I help my child learn their weekly spelling words?

In order for your child to be a successful speller, learning the words must be fun . Here are some helpful hints with assisting your child in learning their weekly spelling words:

1. Have the child write each spelling word five times.
    
2. Allow the child to write their spelling words in shaving cream. Not only is this technique therapeutic, but is also cleans the table, and provides a nice scent!
    
3. Have your child write their spelling words in alphabetical (ABC) order.
    
4. Allow your child to spell out their spelling words with foam letters (these letters can be purchased at any local craft store).
    
5. Have your child write a sentence using each word. As they progress, they may use more than one of their spelling words in a sentence.
    
6. Allow your child to illustrate/ draw pictures of the word.
    
7. Have your child create letters from play-doh and form the words. Again this technique is very therapeutic!
    
8. Create a crossword puzzle of the words and have your child answer them. Try using the website, www.puzzlemaker.com.
    
9. Have your child paint the spelling word on a piece of paper.
    
10. Have your child write the spelling words on an index card. Turn it into a game by playing a spelling-bee! By using index cards, you can always review previous words.
     
11. Create mnemonics to remember the word. For example, if one of our weekly spelling words for the week was "when"; I would say wild (for "w") hogs (for "h") eat (for "e") nuts (for "n"). Your child can also draw a picture of their silly mnemonic!
     
12. Create a song or a chant in order to remember the order of letters in a word.
     
13. Try scrambling the words on a piece of paper, and have your child unscramble the words in order to spell one of their weekly spelling words.
     
14. Take an old window screen. Have the child place a piece of paper on the screen and write one of their spelling words on the paper with a crayon. Remove the paper from the screen, and have you child then use their finger to feel the shape of each letter. As they are touching the letters, make sure they say that letter outloud. Then have them spell the whole word, once while looking at it and then without looking at it.
     
15. Use scrabble pieces to form the words.
     
16. Give your child daily practice tests. If they miss a word, go over it... have them write that word 5 times each, and retest.
     
17. BE ON BOARD! In order for your child to be a good speller, you have to be involved with their education. Let your child see your excitement in wanting to help them learn their words each and everyday!. They can pick up on your body language. If you take a positive approach, then they too will be positive!
     
18. Be encouraging! Students are their worst critics. Stress to them, the only thing that matters if they can say themselves, without a doubt, that this week they did their personal best. That's what truly matters!