When it comes to academic achievement, there are all kinds of signs that spell success. Strong reading and mathematical skills are an obvious indicator, as are high test scores. But another important factor is how well your child presents what he or she has learned. That means using correct grammar and writing without misspelling words. Here are some easy-to-follow suggestions for building spelling skills, courtesy of Huntington Learning Center, a test preparation center located in Cave Creek, Arizona.
Read and recognize what’s correct. Children who read many books and magazines are naturally exposed to the correct spelling of words. So reading alongside young children is a good way to demonstrate how words look on the page.
Encourage children to write about their favorite subjects. Writing and reading are two skills that involve “learning by doing,” and children will write more if they’re focusing on their favorite topics, which will in turn help them become better spellers.
Create a weekly lesson. Pick a letter-of-the-week and post it on the family bulletin board or refrigerator. Have your child come up with many words during the week that start with that letter, and write them out on the bulletin board or another place with plenty of room.
Draw on the family tree. Encourage your child to learn to spell the names of all family members, and to write notes and letters – or even emails – to family members. Read what your child has written and point out the misspelled words, and then work together to re-spell them until they are correct.
Help children learn how to recognize and correct mistakes. Encourage your son or daughter to say words out loud while looking at them carefully to match letters to sounds. Think of other words that use similar sounds and spell them out to determine if the letters are the right match. Let your child know when the correct spelling is reached – and then make sure the word is written several times to strengthen memory and recognition.
Set good examples. Whether you’re filling out a grocery list, writing a list of chores on the bulletin board, inscribing birthday cards or sending a note to your child’s teacher, make sure you’re spelling and using words correctly. This will model the kind of spelling success you expect from your child.
Get expert advice. The enormous importance of reading and spelling has sparked a large body of books dedicated to alphabet and vocabulary skills, particularly among young children. Your child’s teacher and the school librarian can recommend books that are the most effective for building these skills.
Encourage careful editing. At home and at school, students should develop a habit of reviewing their work before it’s handed in. You can help develop this habit by ensuring your child knows how to use a dictionary, and by keeping one close at hand in the space you set aside for your child’s homework.
While good grades may seem like the most pressing reason for developing strong spelling skills, good spellers always have a clear advantage when it comes to representing their abilities in other areas as well. A broad vocabulary and solid spelling skills will help your child spell success for years to come.
