The Best Way to Teach a Child Spelling

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When it comes to teaching a child spelling, there is no one-size-fits-all solution.
Different children learn in different ways and what works best for one may not work for another.
However, there are some strategies that have proven to be effective for helping kids master spelling.
In this blog post, we'll explore the best way to teach a child spelling and provide tips and tricks for making it easier for kids to learn and remember how to spell.

Use simple words


One of the best ways to teach a child spelling is to use simple words.
Start with short, simple words that are easy to spell, such as "her" or "are".
Once the child is comfortable with those words, move onto words that have more than one syllable and more difficult spelling, such as "because" or "everybody".
By starting with simpler words, you can help the child build confidence in their spelling skills and give them a solid foundation to work from.
For each word, go over it multiple times and encourage the child to repeat it until they feel comfortable with it.
Encourage them to look at the word and sound it out, rather than just memorising it.
This will help the child learn how to break down a word into its component sounds, which is an important part of the spelling process.
By teaching the child to break down a word into its component sounds, you are setting them up for success when it comes to more complicated words.
With practice and repetition, your child will become a confident speller in no time!

National Curriculum Foundation Year Words

Repeat words


One of the best ways to teach a child spelling is to repeat words.
Repeating words helps the child become more familiar with them, and it can even help the child commit them to memory.
To make this easier, use simple, short words.
Break down longer words into smaller chunks and repeat each part separately.
For example, if you were teaching a child how to spell the word “sentence”, you could say it out loud and break it up into “sen-tence”.
Encourage the child to repeat after you until they get the hang of it.
You could also try having the child repeat the word multiple times before moving on to the next one.
This will help reinforce the word in their mind and help them remember it better.
What's more, repeating words can help build a child's confidence and make them feel more comfortable with spelling.

National Curriculum Spelling List

Write words out


Writing words out is one of the best ways to teach a child spelling.
Writing provides a visual aid that can help them remember how to spell a word correctly.
This is especially helpful for children who have difficulty with memorisation.
Encourage your child to practice writing words out by having them do worksheets, look up words in a dictionary, and writing them out on their own.
As your child’s spelling skills improve, challenge them by having them write longer sentences, paragraphs, or even stories using the words they have learned.
With practice and patience, your child will be able to improve their spelling and become more confident with it.
What is the best way to teach a child spelling?
Writing words out is a great way to reinforce their knowledge and help them develop better spelling skills.

Check out our Spell Wizards App

Play games


One of the most enjoyable ways to teach a child spelling is through playing games.
Games are a great way to make learning fun and memorable.
They also help build confidence, boost morale, and encourage collaboration.
There are a number of games available to help children with their spelling.
Word searches are a great option as they provide an interactive way for kids to spell words by searching for them in the grid.
Hangman is another popular game that challenges children to guess the correct spelling of a word by guessing one letter at a time.
Scrabble and Boggle are two board games that have been around for years and remain excellent tools for teaching children spelling.
What is the best way to teach a child spelling?
Start with simple words, repeat them often, write them out, reward progress, and then play games!
Games help keep the learning process fun, interactive, and engaging while helping children retain information.

Check out our grammar game

Reward progress


One of the best ways to encourage a child to learn spelling is to reward progress.
When a child learns a new word or correctly spells an old one, positive reinforcement is key.
Rewarding progress can come in many forms, from verbal praise, high-fives, fist-bumpts to stickers and small treats.
With consistent rewards, your child will become more motivated and eager to keep learning.
Furthermore, it's important to recognise when your child is struggling with a specific word and adjust your approach accordingly.
You may need to break down a challenging word into smaller parts or have them practice it multiple times before rewarding them.
By finding what works best for your child, you can ensure they get the most out of their spelling lessons.
Ultimately, what is the best way to teach a child spelling?
By rewarding progress and providing consistent support, you'll help your child stay engaged and motivated as they continue to learn.

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