Learning how to spell
Nothing turns me off a beautiful piece of writing than poorly spelt words. I have this ‘eye for details’ perhaps as a former architect who believes the details are important.
Why children need to learn to spell correctly?
This section is based on material from Spelling it Right at http: //www.spelling.hemscott.net.
- Poor spelling creates a bad impression – it’s one of the first things a reader notices
- Examiners, teachers, prospective employers, often place a lot of weight on spelling
- Anxiety about spelling inhibits a child’s writing, especially their choice of words
- Even in these days of word processors there are still times when we need to write
To improve and develop their spelling children need to:
- Develop an interest in words
- Feel safe about trying new words, not just words they’re sure about
- Learn about, the way words are built up using syllables
- Know about the basic spelling patterns of English
· Have a range of memorizing strategies
- Explore the meanings of words
- Understand prefixes and suffixes
- Write for their own enjoyment, without the fear that they will be criticized
- Read for pleasure
Today, I will focus on how your children can learn spelling using memorising strategies
When you come across a new word ALWAYS use the
LOOK – THINK – COVER – WRITE – CHECK method to memorize it.
LOOK carefully at the new word. How can you break it into smaller bits? Do any of the smaller bits remind you of the patterns of letters from other words?
THINK about the parts of the words, which might cause problems – double letters for instance, or a vowel that isn’t pronounced as you would expect.
COVER the word and close your eyes. Try to see it in your mind’s eye.
WRITE the word down without looking back.
CHECK to see if you’re right. If not, look carefully at where you went wrong and try again.
Learning how to spell
Mnemonics
Making up a “story” to help spell a word
was – was auntie sad?
Mnemonics are useful for particularly tricky words, or for key spelling patterns:
- Ould – Oh, you, lucky duck (should, could, would)
- Ound – Oh you naughty duck (ground, found)
- Laugh – Laugh At Ugly Goat Hair
- Because – Big Elephants Can Always Understand Small Elephants
- Island – an island is land surrounded by water
- Necessary – 1 collar and 2 sleeves are necessary
- Piece – a piece of pie
- Parliament – Liam went to the Houses of parliament
- Separate – there is a rat in separate
- Secretary – a good secretary can keep a secret
- Terrible – Ribs feel terrible
- Business – going by bus is good business
- Rhythm – rhythm gets your 2 hips moving
- Accommodation – 2 cats, 2 mice, 1 dog – accommodation
- Soldier – soldiers sometimes die in battle
- Quiet – keep quiet about my diet
- Guitar – I only play guitar when I’m drinking fruit juice
Let me know if you can come up with your mnemonics.
