Learning to Spell Words

Many people have difficulty spelling words. Since most words follow spelling rules, learning the rules is one key way to help you to spell words correctly. In addition, there are a few ways to strengthen spelling skills that don't require dependence on learning all of the rules of spelling.

Say It Out Loud

Say the word aloud, pronouncing each syllable, over and over again. While you say the word aloud, visualize it and then write it down several times.

Use a Dictionary

Most words can be found in the dictionary even if you don't know how to spell them. Look up the word and study all of its various spellings.

Memorize

Reading teachers use lists of the most common words used in the English language. Find these lists in spelling books and on the Internet and make flash cards out of them, and study the flash cards until you have the words committed to memory (see Resources below).

Use the Spell Check

Keep a journal on your computer and frequently use the Spell Check to find those words that you commonly misspell and add them to your flash cards.

Read

Finally, read something every day. Reading is the No. 1 way to learn spelling because you are exposed to the proper spelling of words.

Resources

• 100 Most Commonly Misspelled Words
• Most Used Words in the English Language