My Child is not a Good Speller you say ...
Or so you think!
Are you worried about your child's ability to be a good speller or even able to spell simple words, and be, a good student that thrives on learning?
Spelling is foundational to many academic skills, but teaching it can be incredibly frustrating. If you find yourself pulling your hair out in despair and just not knowing what to do next to help, you're not alone.
Many parents struggle to teach their children how to spell, especially if the parent is a good speller, often finding it to be a source of tension and anxiety. The major issue isn't just the act of spelling but also the emotional response from children who feel overwhelmed and anxious about the task as do you trying to teach and assist them.
Picture this: you're sitting with your child, trying to go through a spelling list they've brought home from school. They struggled with these words in class, and now the frustrations and anxiety are boiling over at home, too.
Your child gets nervous. You get frustrated. Soon, it's a cycle of tension that leaves both of you feeling helpless and defeated.
You can fix this with a few tips
There are ways to break this cycle and make spelling a less daunting task. Here are some expert tips to get you started and to make the process smoother for both you and your child:
- Calm the Nerves: Before you even start spelling, get your child to take deep breaths. Have them breathe in through the nose and out through the mouth slowly for about 20-30 seconds. This simple exercise can reduce anxiety and prepare them mentally for the task ahead.
- Understand the Word: Make sure your child knows what the word means. Visualize the word together. For example, if the word is "cupboard," discuss what a cupboard looks like and what it's used for. This ensures they understand the context of each word.
- Spell Aloud: Have your child say the word out loud, then spell it slowly, letter by letter. Encourage them to visualize the spelling and say each letter clearly: C-U-P-B-O-A-R-D.
- Write it Down: Writing the word is crucial as it creates a direct link to their brain, aiding in memory and recall. Have your child write the word while saying each letter. This reinforces the visual and motor memory of the word.
- Break it Down: If the word is too long or complicated, break it up into smaller parts. For example, "cupboard" can be broken into "cup" and "board." This can make the word less intimidating and easier to learn.
- Practice a Few Words: Limit sessions to a few words at a time – two or three – to avoid overwhelming your child. Review these words each day and a couple more , ensuring they recall and practice them consistently.
- Calm the Nerves: Before you even start spelling, get your child to take deep breaths. Have them breathe in through the nose and out through the mouth slowly for about 20-30 seconds. This simple exercise can reduce anxiety and prepare them mentally for the task ahead.
- Understand the Word: Make sure your child knows what the word means. Visualize the word together. For example, if the word is "cupboard," discuss what a cupboard looks like and what it's used for. This ensures they understand the context of each word.
- Spell Aloud: Have your child say the word out loud, then spell it slowly, letter by letter. Encourage them to visualize the spelling and say each letter clearly: C-U-P-B-O-A-R-D.
- Write it Down: Writing the word is crucial as it creates a direct link to their brain, aiding in memory and recall. Have your child write the word while saying each letter. This reinforces the visual and motor memory of the word.
- Break it Down: If the word is too long or complicated, break it up into smaller parts. For example, "cupboard" can be broken into "cup" and "board." This can make the word less intimidating and easier to learn.
- Practice a Few Words: Limit sessions to a few words at a time – two or three – to avoid overwhelming your child. Review these words each day and a couple more , ensuring they recall and practice them consistently.
Following these few steps can make spelling a more manageable task for your child, eradicate feelings of frustration and helplessness, and build confidence. Have a daily, short, and calm practice sessions, and before you know it, your child will become a great speller.
Stay tuned for more tips in the coming soon!
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