Let's be honest here, Spelling is 2 things.
1. Really, really, really important. The more words you can spell the more efficiently you can read, and the more you read the bigger your vocabulary becomes. However the importance of spelling doesn't change the fact that it is also....
2. HARD!! Ugh Why is read spelled the same was as read which is spelled different than red even though they sound the same? WHY? WHAT IS THIS MADNESS?!?!?!
Well, I don't know why any of this works the way it does but that doesn't mean I can't figure out the correct word if I use my context clues. Still this can be such a challenging and frustrating concepts for kids.
Luckily, the best thing about first graders is that they can be pretty easy to teach when they don't know they are learning. That's why I want to give you a list of some ideas that seem like pretty fun, and sneaky, ways to practice spelling words.
Now there are about a quadrillion possible activities, so this is in no way a complete list, but these are some of the ones that appeal to the giant child who happens to be me.
1. Rainbow writing- I remember how much I used to loathe writing my spelling words 3 times everyday in spelling class, however rainbow writing gives this practice a fun aspect since students can use 3 or more colors to make beautiful words. The constant tracing of the word first in pencil, then in 3 or more colors still helps with the fine motor skills that students need to work but it is slightly less boring because it's almost like making art.
2. Shaving cream writing- Yes it's an absolute mess, but it's a wonderful smelling and surprisingly exciting mess. Just spread a thin layer of shaving cream on the table or a small tray and use a fingertip (or paintbrush) to write the words. When one word is done erase by smoothing the shaving cream out flat again and write the next word. Pro-tip this is a great activity for getting those germy winter hands nice and soapy.
3. Hopscotch spelling- write letters on the sidewalk in chalk or write on sheets of paper and scatter inside (that could be slippery though) then hop from letter to letter to spell the word.
4. Cup stacking- write letters on plastic or foam cups and line them up to spell words. For added fun stack the spelling words in a pyramid and see how high it goes before it falls down.
5.Scrabble spelling- I had a student last year who did this every week. His parents would take out all the letters he needed to spell his words plus a few extras just to keep him sharp and he would use the tiles to spell each word as practice for his test. This could be fun to do as the scrabble game even, trying to make the words connect through common letters.
6. Flashlight spelling- find an alphabet chart, or make your own on poster board, turn out the lights and spell the words by shining the flashlight at each letter in order. Who doesn't love playing with a flashlight right?
7. Scavenger hunt spelling- one small slips of paper write the letters for all the spelling words then place them inside of plastic eggs and hide them. Send your children off to find the letters then have them put them together to spell the words.
8. Unscramblers- scramble the letters for each spelling word, then let your little detective solve the mystery. Bonus cool points if you can get your child to wear a deer stalker and pretend to be Sherlock Holmes.
So that's my short list of ideas, but there are many more out there on pinterest and other blogs. The most important thing is that you and the kids all have fun!
Another frustrating area for the kids can be Shurley English, we have a parent handbook coming home soon to help with that area, but I also recently purchased a video camera to use for my practicum class. Would it help for you all to be able to see what a typical English lesson looks like for us?
If so let me know and I will be happy to record a session and post it for you to see!
To keep in theme with spelling I'll leave you with one of the lovely songs we are learning during Bible time. So fun, but so much of a tongue twister.
Have a blessed and safe weekend!
