Spelling Tips for Parents

• Know and understand that spelling is a developmental process.

• Know that authentic writing is the key to spelling instruction.

• Praise and encourage instead of being critical of spelling errors.

• Make time for writing.

• Have fun with spelling.

• Create a supportive word rich environment.

Resources to Use at Home

• Dry erase board

• Magnetic letters 

• Alphabet stamps and ink pads

• Variety of paper

• Writing tools such as pencils, markers, pens, crayons, chalk

• Index cards

• Write words using rice, sand, shaving cream, salt

• Magnetic cookie sheet or burner covers

“… spelling in the home should extend beyond those frustrating Thursday night 

efforts to force children to memorize a list of words for the test on Friday.  

Spelling should be fun!” ~Richard Gentry

Study Steps 

A systematic technique for learning the correct spelling of words by using a combination of visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and tactile procedures was reported in Fitzgerald (1951) and validated by Horn’s research (1954).  This technique continues to be supported in research.

• Say the word.

• Look carefully at each part of the word as you pronounce it.

• Say the letters in sequence.

• Close your eyes and spell the word.

• Check to see if you have spelled it correctly.

• Write the word.

• Check to see if you have written it correctly.

• If you misspelled the word, repeat the seven steps.