How to Improve your Child’s Spelling

Great spelling skills are a vey desirable trait because it reflects a person’s ability to comprehend, learn and write. That’s why as kids we are constantly drilled to become better spellers because this is a skill that will bring help us in our different endeavors when we grow up.

As parents, we only want the best for our kids and this includes their ability to spell better. We will do everything to help them achieve their best in whatever they do, including spelling. If you’re concerned about your kids’ spelling abilities and want to them to further improve their skills you can follow these tips:

1. Constantly communicate with your child so you’ll get an idea about the words he uses in everyday conversations. You could probably identify certain words that he may actually have some trouble spelling.

2. When you’ve identified these words, list them down and show it to your child. Talk to him about the words to find out if he actually understands the meaning of the words. Try to put some context on the words by using them in a sentence. But to make it more interesting for him, try to form sentences that revolve around the topics that interest him. For example, he may often use the word ‘confused.’ Use the word in a sentence then use a favorite cartoon character as the subject of that sentence.

3. Introduce fun spelling games. One of the best games that can help him hone his spelling skills is Scrabble. Play with your child but try to use simple words first. The objective of the game is for him to learn not to win the game or to get a high score. You can give your child a set number of points to start with to make the game fair and also give him a sense that he has a great advantage. Once in a while, make him win so he’ll feel that he achieved something big. Another great game is Boggle, which encourages him to make sense of a jumble of letters to find words. (Try this free online version!)

4. Introduce the dictionary to him. Give him a pocket dictionary that he can use to refer to words he may encounter but do not understand. You can even make a game out of the dictionary. Mention words to him that he’s supposed to find in the dictionary. This is a great way of developing his ability to listen to the pronunciation of words and relate it to how the word is spelled.

Photo from school.discoveryeducation.com