Because I have a late reader in my homeschool and because I've yet to find a spelling program I love, we had not been formally studying the art of proper spelling...until now. While driving down the road a few weeks ago W informed me that he needed to "learn more words". As we discussed it further I realized he was talking specifically about learning to spell more words...
So together we developed a plan. First, he suggested that when he misspells a word in his prayer journal or when writing one of his books that he would immediately "work on it". He's been writing the word correctly 5 times and then repeating the correct spelling out loud 5 times. Next we did the whole "sight words labeling of the entire house" thing. Does that really work? I don't know but we'll see. He's also starting to write his books while sitting within a few feet from where ever I am. This allows him to ask me how to spell any words he isn't sure about.
I think he's finally tired of inventive spelling and just wants to do it right and I couldn't be happier about it.
Any other spelling ideas out there that do not include workbooks or word lists?
My kids hit the same place a few months ago. They discovered http://www.spellingcity.com/ and spent several weeks making their own spelling lists and playing games with the words. My oldest is still struggling with invented spelling (she is dyslexic and has trouble hearing the difference between sounds so spelling is a struggle even though she cares about it. Essie on the other hand spent several weeks spelling nearly everything she said, for fun, and now is a pretty good speller. Issac, who is naturally learning to read, often talks to me about how different words look as well as spending a lot of time playing with Boggle like letters (he has several games/manipulative sets with letters but we have also used boggle and scrabble to practice when he asks to) and spelling things out.
ReplyDeleteI had forgotten about spellingcity. Thanks for reminding me!! Both boys ended up playing on it today for about 1/2 hour each...
ReplyDeleteWe played spellingcity for the first time yesterday! I don't really understand spelling workbooks....they show you the word and then you spell it? I guess the concept seems strange to me. I like your way, we are doing similar. We also have Spellwell and Rod and Staff Spelling--the verdict is still out on those 2;)
ReplyDeleteMimi,
ReplyDeleteLet us know when you decide if you like Spellwell and Rod and Staff Spelling!
Penny