Here are a few suggestions on how to make practicing spelling words fun, engaging, and multi-sensory:

  • If your child is going to practice writing his or her spelling words, he should SAY the word (sound by sound, not letter by letter) as he WRITES the word, and thus using three senses–visual, auditory, and motor. The child should say /t/ /ea/ /ch/ /er/ while writing the letters.  For older students, they can adapt this strategy for learning spelling or even just remembering any word or concept. However, they probably would want to learn the word syllable by syllable so they should say aloud the term, by syllable, while writing it, seeing it, and hearing it.  (Example:  pho to syn the sis).
  • To make the learning even more multi-sensory, your child can write the words using different colors for each SOUND (not letter).
  • While sitting on a carpet, write down each word directly onto the carpet with two fingers.  Great for tactile learners!
  • Bounce a ball to each SOUND in the word, then SPELL the word.
  • Have your child practice spelling his words in the bathtub using colorful shower markers.
The possibilities are endless!