When started homeschooling my kids I found most spelling workbooks used the same system of giving the student a list of words followed by a few short lessons. While this is enough for many students to learn without difficulty other students need additional reinforcement. My daughter is one of those students who requires additional creativity to stimulate her visual and tactile mind. I have found success with a weekly lesson plan I developed for my daughter.
Monday
On Mondays I hand out the new list of spelling words. First, each spelling word is said and spelled aloud. Next, the student copies each word and its definition into a spelling notebook. This step will reinforce spelling, vocabulary and dictionary skills.
Tuesday
Tuesday the student writes out each word 10 times. To alleviate boredom I allow the student to write out the words with colored pencils or ultra fine sharpies. Adding in this small amount of creativity caused my kids to look forward to writing out their word list. While repetitious writing is not a novel idea it is still effective.
Wednesday
I have the student write one sentence for each spelling word. As a special challenge I have the student write one or two additional sentences using as many spelling words as possible. The sentences must make sense, be written neatly and be grammatically correct. For a younger or artistic student you can have him draw a picture to go with one or more of his sentences. You may allow creativity and freedom by allowing the challenge questions to be outlandish.
Thursday
A pretest is given to determine which words are still posing difficulty. Any words that are still difficult for the student should be written out 10 times each. This is also the day for spelling games or projects.
Spelling Games and Projects
Hangman: Follow the same rules but use the spelling list.
Scramble Challenge: Write out each spelling word on construction paper then cut out each word and then each letter. Scramble the letters for each word or all letters for a harder challenge and have the student put the letters together to spell out the spelling word or list.
Word Family Mobile: If you are using a spelling list associated with word families this is a great project. On a piece of construction paper write the word ending, for example “ight”. With a hole puncher, punch out enough holes for each spelling word. That piece will be the top of the mobile. Then, draw a picture for each spelling word, punch a hole in the picture and connect this picture to the top of the mobile by a piece of yarn.
Spelling Scavenger Hunt: Hide letters (the letters can be written on paper or you can use plastic letters or scrabble letters) throughout the room and have the student collect only those that can make the spelling list. Then the student will have to put the letters together to complete the list.
Spelling Relay: This can be adapted for one to multiple students. On one end of the room have a bucket filled with the letters associated with the spelling list. On the other end of the room have a table with plenty of room ready. The student or students start at the table side of the room. By a signal of your choice, the student runs from the table to the bucket and grabs a letter. Once a letter is in hand the student runs back to the table and lays it down. Eventually, the student will have enough letters to form the words. Whoever forms all the words first wins. You may cut the list in half and give each team half the list for a quicker game.
Spelling Ball: The teacher picks a word and then gives the ball to one student. The student says the first letter and throws the ball to the next student who announces the second letter. In this fashion, the ball is thrown back and forth until the word is spelled out.
Friday
This is spelling test day. If you have the student spell orally, then it’s time to change things up. Another way to change things is to allow the student to use a dry erase board for the test. I also include missed words from a previous test as bonus points. Any words missed on the test are written out five times. You may want to add any missed words to the next week’s spelling list if only a few are incorrect.
My daughter literally flunked or recieved a D on every test one term and then got all As on spelling tests the next term after I implemented these ideas. I wish you the same success and hope this helps you develop your own ideas for spelling fun.
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