Tip #2 Spelling Words

Does your child learn the spelling words for the Friday test and then promptly forget how to spell them? This is because she/he has not mastered the spelling of these words. Try asking the teacher to cut the list down to the essential words (should be 5-10 words), and do a one minute write with each of those words for four nights. A one minute write consists of your child writing each word as many times as they can in one minute; while writing the word they should say and spell the word aloud. For instance if the word is animal your child should say and write – “animal” “a” “n” “i” “m” “a” “l”. Continue having them write and spell aloud the word for one full minute. At the end of the minute reinforce the word by asking your child what word and to spell it again. Continue on until your child has done a one minute write on all 5-10 words. Notice this should only take 5-10 minutes to complete. Do this for four nights and you will be surprised by how your child can retain and spell these words weeks later…no more forgetting after the Friday test. This works better than any other spelling homework in getting the words to actually be remembered!

Add comment September 29, 2008