Spelling is a struggle for many students due to the many exceptions to the accepted spelling rules, the multitude of word origins and their effect on a word. Spelling in the English language makes it difficult to sound words out which frustrates many emergent readers. Even proficient spellers often struggle with special words like homophones.

Spelling worksheets provide students with a way to practice their weekly spelling words. A good spelling worksheet will provide numerous ways for students to not only practice their words, but will provide activities that intentionally force students to focus on word patterns based onset and rhyme, common prefixes and suffixes or specific spelling rules. Research has shown that often a student will get a one hundred on a spelling test, but fail to translate what they have learned to their independent writing. The ultimate goal of spelling is to create confident and efficient writers. Spelling worksheets must make them think about their words rather than rely on rote repetition in order to accomplish this goal.

Spelling worksheets can be differentiated based on student needs. Every student in the classroom does not have to have identical words, but they can still be assigned the same spelling activities and assignments. If a student shows mastery of the weeks spelling words then assign them more difficult words that follow the same set of rules or patterns as the rest of the class. For example, their words might have the same pattern but more syllables.

Spelling worksheets don’t have to be boring. The more varied activities you provide for students to practice their spelling the more you will foster a love of words in the classroom. Try to assign spelling worksheets that are fun and challenging. There are many available for free online based on whatever your spelling objective for the week is. Many educational sites allow you to enter a list of spelling words into the computer manually, and then print out the corresponding spelling worksheets. There are also many sites that offer already made spelling worksheets specifically for the practice of site words.

Parents usually study their child’s spelling words with them ever night in preparation for their weekly test. In addition to a weekly spelling list spelling worksheets make great homework. They give parents something concrete to help their children learn their rules rather than just memorizing them. This link between school and home will help to ensure each student is ready for the spelling test at the end of the week and hopefully will contribute to 100’s all around.