The definition of spelling makes it sound as if it is an easy skill to master. Spelling is simply defined as the process of using letters to form words. Unfortunately, for many children spelling is quite a daunting process.  It doesn’t help that the English language has exceptions to all of our spelling rules.  To become a proficient speller an extensive amount of repetition is required. Merely having a child write a word multiple times has shown to be an ineffective method for memorizing new words as they often write on “autopilot”. Traditional methods like writing the sentence and the definition of the spelling words are fine, but it is important to provide the students with some variety. Spelling should be fun!

Instead of relying solely on traditional methods to help children memorize their spelling words try to provide students with carefully developed spelling worksheets.  Worksheets should provide students with multiple formats to practice and manipulate their spelling words. These activities provide students with a much more effective means to practice their words. Spelling worksheets should help them see the commonalties of the words in their list so they later use them effectively in their writing. Spelling worksheets that contain activities like brain teasers, word searchers, anagrams, word unscrambles, crossword puzzles, and cloze activities will keep students engaged while allowing them to practice their spelling words. 

There are many websites that allow a teacher or parent to generate spelling worksheets using any set of spelling words they wish. The spelling words just need to be entered into the format provided and then the worksheets are instantly created.  Some of these websites offer recommended lists of spelling words that can be used as well.  Whether the lists are teacher created or provided by the website, spelling lists for the primary grades usually based on one of the following: a theme (like a holiday or colors), a common spelling rule, onset, rime, Dolch words or site words. Word lists for intermediate grades often include words from a literature unit, content area vocabulary words, or words with common prefixes or suffixes.

Spelling worksheets are easy for students to work on independently making them an excellent way to keep students constructively busy. They can be assigned in a word work station or in their seats while the teacher works with reading groups.  Spelling worksheets are also great for homework as a way to reinforce what they are learning in the classroom. If a child’s teacher does not provide spelling worksheets then parents can generate their own based on the words the teacher sends home for the week. This provides their child extra practice at home or provide their child with a fun way to get ready for their weekly spelling test.