Making Spelling Stick: Fun and Practical Strategies for Learners

Teaching spelling to children is most effective when it’s engaging, multisensory, and connected to everyday experiences. Rather than relying solely on memorization, successful spelling instruction helps children understand the patterns and rules of language while building confidence and interest in words.

1. Use of Phonics-Based Instruction: Start with phonics. Teaching children how sounds (phonemes) connect to letters (graphemes) gives them the tools to decode and spell new words. Structured programs like Orton-Gillingham emphasize sound-letter correspondence, blending, segmenting, and syllable types—all essential for spelling success.

2. Incorporate Spelling Games. Make spelling fun with interactive games:

• Bingo: Use spelling words to play bingo and reinforce visual memory.

• Spelling Scavenger Hunt: Hide words around the house or classroom for kids to find and spell.

• Letter Tiles or Magnetic Letters: Have children build words by manipulating letters.

• Online Games: Use free platforms like SpellingCity or ABCya to practice playfully.

  
  

3. Use Everyday Activities. Spelling practice doesn’t have to stay in the classroom:

• Cooking Together: Have children read and spell ingredients aloud.

• Labeling Household Items: Label common items like “door,” “sink,” and “lamp” so children see and spell words daily.

• Grocery Lists: Ask children to help write or copy parts of the list, sounding out and spelling each item.

• Chalk or Sidewalk Spelling: Let kids write their spelling words outdoors in chalk for a change of scenery.

  
  

4. Teach Word Patterns and Families. Group words by patterns (e.g., -at, -ing, -ight) to help children recognize familiar chunks. This strategy builds both confidence and efficiency in spelling.

5. Read and Write Daily. Reading regularly helps children internalize correct spelling through repeated exposure. Writing stories, lists, or journal entries allows children to practice using words in context.

6. Praise Effort, Not Just Accuracy. Celebrate when children attempt new words, even if they aren’t spelled perfectly. This builds motivation and encourages risk-taking in writing.

When spelling is woven into everyday life and supported by play, children are more likely to develop strong spelling skills naturally and joyfully.