Spelling Strategies

• Sounding out the word: Sound the word out little by little. If it sounds wrong, try changing the vowel sound from long to short or vice versa. Long or short? Definite – long – de/fine/it (fine as in fine day) - short – de/fin/it (fin as in shark’s fin)

• Mnemonics: Make a phrase or a sentence up about a word that you have difficulty spelling. Because – big elephants can always understand small elephants. Believe – believe has a lie in it. Parliament – I am parliament Affect/effect – Raven – Remember, affect = verb, effect = noun. Hear – you hear with your ear. Aloud – a loud noise is always heard. Separate – there is a rat in separate.

• Say it as you spell it: Wed/nes/day, fav/our, dis/tinc/tion (dis tinc tee on). This technique helps with picture words.

• Rap a rhyme: Choose words which rhyme with the one you want to help you spell it correctly: flower, tower, power - be careful, as flour is said like flower, but spelt differently.

• Post-it aplenty: Write any new vocabulary down on post-it notes and stick them on the furniture which you use every day e.g. a wall, mirror or door. Your eyes will take in the word without you realising.

• Copy Look Cover Write Check: Copy the correct spelling out onto a page, look at the word and memorise it by using the above strategies. Then cover the word and write it down. Uncover the original and check your spelling.