How to Spell Fast

Fast spelling is a skill that remains with you in the future.

Spelling is an important skill to learn at an early age. The speed at which one spells words is a by-product of proper spelling techniques. If you want to increase your student's spelling speed, you must help her understand the many components and mechanisms of the written word. The English language is full of spelling rules and exceptions that can cause confusion or frustration. However, with enough commitment, any student can overcome these challenges and become a fast speller.

Instructions

1. Establish a regular practice regimen. As a child improves her spelling accuracy, she will gradually become faster at spelling. Repeat each new word at least 10 times to ensure maximum retention.

2. Take gradual steps. Do not bombard a child with a list of unrelated words. Instead, focus on words that have similar structures. For example, teach your child the rule "I' before 'e' except after 'c'" and then practice various words that fall into the category, such as "receive," "ceiling" and "deceive." Eventually, this standard becomes ingrained in the student's mind and he can quickly associate the letter "c" with this rule. As a result, he will spell those words more efficiently, thus increasing speed.

3. Split the words into sections. As spelling difficulty increases, your child might find it difficult to pick apart larger words letter by letter. Instead, tell her to divide the word into smaller components. For example, if she is trying to spell "inadmissible," tell her to spell "in," "ad," "miss," "i" and "ble." At first, you will notice that she spells in spurts, quickly stopping and starting from one section to the next. Eventually, she will do this process in her head and her spelling will become faster and more fluid.

4. Teach her to split compound words such as "sunlight" and "microscope." These words are easier to spell if the student understands that they are shorter words fused together. Instruct her to spell each individual word with a pause in between. After some practice, she will master this ability in her mind and seamlessly connect these words into one, fast spelling action.

5. Use the words in a sentence. Ask your child to write and verbalize a word in a sentence to help give it context.

6. Work on your child's weak points. If she is less familiar with certain types of words, pay extra attention to those. Examples might be "neighbor" or "weigh," which contradict the "i before e except after c" rule.

7. Be patient. The worst thing you can do to a young student is pressure her. A child cannot learn or perform well if she is nervous or afraid of failure. Some children are better spellers than others. It is important that you understand that.

8. Reward good performance and effort. Children need encouragement, so make sure you reinforce their learning. A simple compliment like "good work" or "great effort" will keep them motivated.

References

• LD Online: Five Guidelines for Learning Spelling and Six Ways to Practice Spelling