How to teach your child to spell

One of the main skills that will help your child succeed in school--and later, in the business world--is a proficiency in spelling. You can begin teaching your young child how to spell, or help your older child learn how to spell better. These steps will show you how.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Your child needs to have at least basic reading skills in order to learn spelling. Help your child learn to read by reading with them frequently and helping your child to sound out new words.
2. Use flash cards. Store-bought flash cards work well, but you can make flash cards at home that are geared perfectly to your child's level. Cut up card stock or use unlined 3-by- 5 cards. Have your child write words (with your help) on the cards. For younger children, draw an illustration for the word or cut pictures from magazines.
3. If your child is having a difficult time learning to spell a particular word, find a fun way to practice. Give your child glittery pens or scented markers and have your child write the word several times, as repeating it with both the hand and the eyes helps improve recall. For younger children, give them some glue (a bottle or a stick, whichever is easiest for your child). Have your child write each letter using the glue, and then sprinkle it with glitter or spell the word using pieces of yarn.
4. Do your remember tracing paper? Children love to trace, and tracing words will actually help them learn how to spell those words. Write the words several times on lined paper. Then give your child a piece of tracing paper so that they can trace--and spell--that word several times.
5. Sing songs that include spelling. Small children enjoy songs such as "B-I-N-G-O." You can use other 5-letter words in place of bingo. Or choose a word for your child to learn and set it to music. For example, you might spell "happy" to the tune of "Skip to My Lou."

Tips & Warnings

• Let TV help! Shows like Sesame Street and even Wheel of Fortune can help your child learn how to spell.
• Never berate a child who struggles with spelling. If your child continues to struggle, consider testing for a learning disability.