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Step 1
Teach the children about lower-case letter shapes. Some of the letters are tall. They extend above the middle line when written. They include b, d, f, h, k l and t. These letters will be represented by arms stretched above the head.
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Step 2
Some of the letters stay in the middle when written. They stay between the middle and bottom lines. They include a, c, e, i, m, n, o, r, s, u, v, w, x and z. These are represented by placing hands on hips.
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Step 3
The rest of the letters are low letters. When they are written, they extend below the bottom writing line. They include g, j, p, q and y. These are represented by squatting and placing hands on the floor.
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Step 4
Have the children practice the movements as you call out random letters.
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Step 5
Write random letters on the board. Point to them and have the children call them out as they make the appropriate shapes.
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Step 6
Practice spelling simple words together by writing simple words on the board: "the," "cat" and "big." Point to each letter as the children call them out and move their bodies accordingly.
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Step 7
Encourage the children to practice spelling their own names with cheerleading spelling.
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Step 8
When the children are comfortable with cheerleading spelling, start using it for weekly spelling words.
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Step 9
Play games where you or another child spells a word using only the movements and no words. The other children have to guess what is being spelled.
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Step 10
Encourage the children to practice cheerleading spelling at home. Instruct parents in the method so they can help.
