Be a SHARP Speller

 See - Look at the word.

Hear - Say the word aloud.

Adopt - Close your eyes. Spell the word.

Record - Cover the word. Write the word.

Proofread - Check the word.

the ABC's of studying your words!

ALWAYS connect sounds to words.

 Your child already knows many sounds. It is extremely important that your child makes a connection between the isolated sounds s/he may know and the spelling of words. I consistently encourage the children to use their prior knowledge when spelling words.

BEGIN studying the spelling words on Monday night (or Friday night when the homework page goes home).

CONTINUE to study the words every night.

   Be creative by using some of the ideas for studying spelling words.

 Ideas for studying your spelling words each night:

1. Put the words in abc order.
2. Write a story using as many words as you can from your spelling list.
3. Write each spelling word 5 times.
4. Use scrabble tiles to spell the words.
5. Make a mini dictionary with word, picture, and meaning.
6. Make riddles with the spelling words as the answers.
7. Find spelling words in a dictionary and write their meaning.
8. Make spelling flash cards.
9. Divide words into syllables and code them.
10. Write a silly sentence using as many spelling words as you can.
11. Cut letters from magazines to spell the words.
12. Have a family member print the spelling words leaving out the vowels. Then fill in the vowels.
13. Take a practice test.
14. Make a word search.
15. Write spelling words by scrambling the letters, then unscramble them.
16. Write a sentence for each word.
17. Write each spelling word on two index cards and play a game of concentration.

18. Type words on the computer.

19. Play Hangman using spelling words.

20. Write words outside using sidewalk chalk.

21. Paint words.

22. Use alphabet stamps to stamp words on paper.

23. Practice words on SpellingCity.com .

24. Write words in shaving cream on a table.

25. Use magnetic letters to spell words on the fridge (do this on Monday so they will be visible all week).