Creative Ways to Learn Spellings!
Make a Spelling Word Origami Fortune Teller
It’s easy enough to create spelling word fortune tellers, and having spelling the word out loud is very helpful for auditory learners.
Make and Use a “Word Catcher"
These modified fly-swatters can be a lot of fun to use. Get a copy of your spelling words and swat them away!, Can you find your words in all the books, magazines, posters, and papers in the house?
Magnetic Letters, Alphabet Blocks, or Scrabble Pieces
Just as saying the words out loud can help an auditory learner, building the words can be helpful for more visual learners. Just keep in mind you might need more than one set of magnetic letters to spell all the words.
Create Your Own Crossword Puzzle
Luckily there are free online tools like Discovery Education's puzzlemaker program to help you make puzzles. All you have to do is type in the word list.
Use Sensory Play
Some people learn better when all their senses are involved. Doing things like spraying shaving cream on the table and letting your child trace the words in it or having him write the words with a stick in the dirt can help cement the words in his memory. This sort of play to learn spelling is not exclusively for Early Years children!
Play Spelling Word Memory
There are a couple of ways to do this. You can make two sets of flashcards with the spelling words—it’s a good idea to write each set in a different colour—or you can make one set with the words and one with the definition. After that, it’s played just like any other Memory game.
Trace the Words in Rainbow Colors
Write or trace each word over and over to remember the order of the letters for each word. In the end, though, it’s a lot prettier than a simple word list!
Type, text or email the words to someone!
If you have a mobile phone or tablet with some sort of messenger service, message your parent/carer with the spellings... they could send thumbs up or down emojis back!
Make Word Searches
This, too, is an activity that is easy enough with online resources. SpellingCity.com is a fantastic site that allows you to make word searches and create other activities.
Play Hangman
Hangman is a great go-to game when it comes to spelling words. Remember, you can always use the definition as a clue!
Make up a Spelling Word Song
It may sound silly, but there’s a connection between music and literacy. You could make up your own song or put the words to a well-known tune.
Play the “Add-A-Letter” Game
Play this with another person. One of you starts writing the spelling word on the paper by writing one letter. The next one adds the next letter. Since many word lists include words that start with the same sounds, it may be challenging to know which word your game partner started writing. This works particularly well if you're learning a really big list of words, like the Year 5/6 spellings.
Write a Story Using Each Spelling Word
You could write a story about a particular theme, or retell a story you already know.
Highlight the Words in the Newspaper
Use a highlighter and a pile of newspapers or magazines and try to find and highlight all the words on the list. Make it more of a challenge by timing yourself!
Act Them Out
Essentially this is playing the game Charades with your spelling words!
Put then in Alphabetical Order
While alphabetising the list won’t necessarily help you learn to spell each individual word, it will help you to the words.
Spelling Scribble
Draw a big scribble on a piece of paper, then repeat the word in the gaps of the scribble. Fill the whole scribble with your spelling words.