Tips for Parents

Steps for Learning New Spelling Words

Give your child a pre-test. When your child brings home his list of spelling words, sit him down with a pencil and paper for a practice quiz. Children learn how to spell words by visualizing them in their minds. Simply say each word in a sentence out loud for your child to write down. Have your child correct the pre-test. He should use most of his study time learning the words he has misspelled.

Use these steps for learning new spelling words:

Step 1. Look at the word. Say it and listen to its sounds.

Step 2. Spell the word out loud.

Step 3. Think about its spelling. Is there anything special to remember?

Step 4. Picture the word with your eyes shut.

Step 5. Look at the word and write it.

Step 6. Cover the word and picture it. Write it again. Check your spelling.

Once your child has learned to use this technique, he will be able to study his spelling words independently.

On the night before the test, give him a final test of all the words.