Spelling Strategies That Work

Spelling problems permeate our lives. And while finding misspellings in newspaper headlines or on giant billboards can range from annoying to amusing, spelling challenges can be incredibly frustrating to students. These difficulties can extend to virtually all areas; after all, there are few subjects that do not require writing (spelling even creeps into math disciplines — think geometry proofs). Many adults struggle with spelling, so it's little wonder that children do, as well. Kids with learning disabilities, such as dyslexia, may find it particularly difficult to put letters in the correct order. And, spelling can be extra-challenging for students whose first language is not English.

There are several great ways in which tutors (and parents-as-tutors) can help students gain skills and confidence when it comes to spelling. First, it is important to understand that spelling-learning is most effective in context. Even spelling bee champions ask, "May I have the root of that word?" and "Could you use that word in a sentence?" For decades, spelling was taught as an isolated activity; if you grew up any time before the 1990s, you probably remember daunting "spelling books," full of words with no context. In that scenario, spelling is reduced to rote memorization. As educational scholars from Bloom to Gardner have proven, rote memorization is one of the least effective ways in which to learn.

So, how can you create an effective lesson about spelling? Think about differentiated learning (which we explored in this post) and multi-sensory learning. Here are a few ideas:

Visual learners can close their eyes and imagine the word. "Gigantic" might be a tall, towering word, while "cumulus" might be white and puffy, just like a cloud.

Auditory learners can say each letter out loud. Or, they can ask that the word be repeated several times — maybe even in several different voices.

Tactile learners can "write" the word in an unconventional way. They could draw the word in the air, using their index figure. They could write the word in larger-than-life letters on the chalkboard. (This also works for kinetic learners.) Or, they could even write the word in a highly tactile substance, like pudding or sand!

Students of all learning levels can also really benefit from keeping their own word list. This is a place (a simple notebook works just fine) where students can write down unfamiliar words. They may want to practice writing the word several times on a single sheet of notebook paper, so that spelling the word correctly begins to "feel natural." Or, they might want to use the word in a sentence (either an original sentence, or in the context in which they encountered it), so that context clues can jog their memory and lead them toward the correct spelling.

No matter what subject a student is learning, spelling is a vital complementary skill. As you review your child's schoolwork, make sure that she is demonstrating a good understanding of spelling basics. If she isn't, consider implementing some of the strategies outlined above — or find a great online tutor for spelling here.