Instead of teaching rules, try some teaching tricks. These strategies will help boost spelling skills:
Let children invent the spelling of words. Studies show children who do this use more words in writing. They score as well or better on spelling tests than children permitted only to use correct spelling in first drafts.
Bring words to life. When you can, help your child turn letters into a picture. On the word “dog,” for example, attach ears to the letter “o.” Make the “g” a drooping tail.
Sing it. Remember how Jiminy Cricket used a catchy tune to teach children how to spell “encyclopedia”? Encourage your child to do the same with her spelling words. When she forgets how to spell a word, hum the tune to jog her memory.
Reread favorite stories. Every time children read a word, they get a visual image of it—which is reinforced by the repetition.
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