How to Make Spelling-Word Practice Fun

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By Jennifer Zimmerman
eHow Contributing Writer

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Weekly spelling tests, spelling bees and the practice of spelling words are common to most children's experience. And often so are battles over the practice of these words, as most kids don't enjoy writing the same words over and over. Avoiding those battles, while still making sure kids learn their spelling words--and the phonics and vocabulary lessons they bring--is key to the whole family's happiness.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Lined paper Unlined paper Crayons or colored pencils Markers Index cards

Ways To Make Spelling-Word Practice Fun

Step 1

'Rainbow write" the words. Allow your child to trace over the words with different colored crayons or colored pencils.
Step 2

Create a story or a song using as many of the words as possible. Illustrate the story for more fun.
Step 3

Write a sentence using each spelling word. Then draw a picture to go with each sentence.
Step 4

Make a word search using the spelling words. Let your child correct it after you solve it.
Step 5

Act out each word. Make up your own game of charades and allow your child to act out each word while you guess.
Step 6

Develop a game with the spelling words. Create the game Memory or Old Maid using index cards and the spelling words.
Step 7

Design your own flashcards. Encourage your child to write each word in different kinds of lettering or to add decorative flourishes to the text.
Step 8

Visit SpellingCity.com together. There your child can practice typing the words, and the site will even create a game based on them.

Tips & Warnings

Your attitude means a lot to your child. Even if you hated spelling when you were in school, think of spelling-word practice as a fun way to bond with your child and not as a chore.
Don't make it all about the test. If your child does well on the spelling test or in the spelling bee, go ahead and celebrate. But don't punish your child if he or she doesn't do well; resolve to try a different practice tactic the following week.

Resources

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