How Do You Help a Child Who Struggles With Spelling?
Do you have a child who is struggling with spelling?
If so, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure of how to help them.
Having a child with a spelling difficulty can be a challenge, but there are many ways to help kids who struggle with spelling.
In this blog post, we will look at some of the most effective strategies for assisting a child with a spelling difficulty.
From teaching phonics to utilising technology, there are many tools and tips available to help your child overcome their spelling difficulties.
So let's dive in and explore the best approaches for helping a child with spelling difficulties.
The first step is identifying the problem
When it comes to helping a child who struggles with spelling, the first step is to identify the problem.
As a parent or teacher, it can be difficult to tell whether a child’s difficulty with spelling is simply a matter of having not yet mastered the skills,
or if there’s a more serious underlying cause.
To help differentiate between the two, start by looking at the individual’s spelling patterns.
Does he or she consistently misspell specific types of words? Or does the child make errors in random places throughout their writing?
Understanding the type and severity of the issue will help you determine what kind of help is necessary.
Next, think about how long the child has been struggling with spelling.
Has it been a problem for just a short period of time, or has this been an ongoing issue?
If the difficulty has persisted for a while, it could be indicative of a more serious learning disorder.
In this case, seeking out professional help is recommended.
Finally, consider the level of frustration your child may be feeling. Is he or she becoming increasingly discouraged when trying to spell words?
It is important to understand the emotional side of the problem as well as the academic one.
By looking at all these pieces together, you can begin to develop a plan for addressing the issue.
Check out our Spell Wizards App
Finding the right resources
When it comes to helping a child who struggles with spelling, it is important to find the right resources to assist them.
Start by speaking with the child's teacher to find out which spelling words and concepts they are struggling with and create a list of materials that
could help them better understand those topics.
If available, ask for the school's spelling curriculum so you can better understand what your child is learning in class.
There are also a variety of online resources that offer spelling help for children.
From interactive games and puzzles to practice tests, these websites can provide helpful tips and strategies for mastering spelling words.
Additionally, there are free apps available for smartphones and tablets that feature practice quizzes and activities.
Books can also be beneficial in developing a child's spelling skills.
Look for books designed specifically for spelling, such as workbooks or collections of word games.
Books like these can serve as a valuable resource while teaching kids how to spell correctly.
Finally, don't be afraid to seek out professional help if needed.
If your child is still struggling after attempting various spelling resources, consider visiting a reading specialist or speech therapist who can provide tailored instruction.
National Curriculum Spelling List
Create a plan
When you have identified that your child is struggling with spelling, it’s important to create a plan of action.
Depending on the severity of their problem, there are several steps you can take to improve their spelling skills.
One option is to work on phonics skills – if they don’t have a good understanding of the sounds that letters make, then they won’t be able to spell accurately.
There are plenty of online and printable phonics activities available, or you could even make up your own games at home.
You can also provide your child with practice worksheets which they can fill in themselves, using words they need to spell.
If they make a mistake, they can look up the correct spelling and practice it until they remember it.
It might be helpful to get them to write down the words they find tricky and keep them somewhere visible so they can use them as a reference.
Another useful strategy is to encourage your child to read as much as possible – this will help them become familiar with how words are spelled and give them more opportunities to learn new words.
Reading aloud is particularly beneficial, as it allows your child to hear the words properly and link them to their spelling.
Finally, you should consider using some kind of reward system – this could include stickers, points or other incentives which can help motivate your child and encourage them to put in more effort when it comes to spelling.
By taking the time to create a plan tailored to your child’s needs, you can give them the best chance of improving their spelling and boost their confidence in the process.
Check out our grammar game
Put it into practice
Once you have identified the problem, found resources, and created a plan for helping your child, it’s time to put it into practice.
Here are some tips for helping your child with spelling:
1. Use visual aids: Whether it’s writing out words in colourful letters, using magnetic letters, or drawing out the spelling,
visual aides are a great way to help kids learn how to spell.
2. Make it fun: Make learning more enjoyable by playing spelling games, using flashcards, or making silly songs that help your child remember the correct spelling.
3. Break it down: If a long word is difficult for your child to spell, break it down into smaller chunks so that they can focus on each piece.
For example: Secretary can be broken down into Secret and ary.
4. Use repetition: As with any skill, repetition is key. Have your child practice words several times and encourage them to use it in conversations.
5. Offer positive reinforcement: Kids need to know when they are doing well.
Positive reinforcement will help your child stay motivated and continue to practice their spelling skills.
By implementing these strategies and techniques, you can help your child improve their spelling skills.
With practice and patience, you will be able to see results in no time.
Word Wizards App
Evaluate and adjust
After you have implemented a plan for helping a child who struggles with spelling, it is important to evaluate the progress and make adjustments as necessary.
To evaluate progress, observe the child during spelling activities to identify any improvements or areas of difficulty.
You may want to also track progress over time using standardised tests or informal spelling tests.
Once you have identified areas that need improvement, it is time to make adjustments to the plan.
Depending on the child's individual needs, you may need to adjust the frequency of practice activities, introduce different types of activities, or set more achievable goals.
Additionally, adjusting your own teaching style may help the child better understand and remember spellings.
For example, if a child has difficulty with phonics, you may need to focus on patterns and visuals rather than sounds.
Finally, remain consistent in your approach to help the child gain confidence in their spelling ability.
Be sure to recognise any improvements and celebrate successes.
With patience and persistence, even the most struggling spellers can develop the skills necessary for success.
