Practice Spelling

Term 3 is starting for 2018.

Parents might start to worry about their children's performance at school. I, unfortunately, can't help address everything that might be a problem. But I can start at the foundation.

If you wish to get some advice please message/comment to me. I will gladly help you where I can.

So this is my method on how kids should learn/practice their spelling in the afternoons.

Stuff you may need:

These are all optional or you can save money by just using scrap paper.

1x A4 lined book (Soft or hardcover)- To practice the words

1x A5 lined book (Soft or hardcover)-To test the words

1x Pencil or Pen

Spelling Words for the week

The technique

Watch my video "How to practice and improve your spelling after school" or carry on reading.

Monday

This is usually when you get the children's spelling words.

1.  Let them read through the words out loud to you.
2. In the A4 book (or scrap piece of paper) get the child to write out each word 7-10 times. (even if it's easy)
3. Now test them in the A5 book (or scrap piece of paper).
4. Let them mark their work (makes them learn to be honest with themselves)
5. Congratulate them (even if they got 2/10) 

Tuesday till Test Day

1.  Let them read through the words out loud to you.
2. In the A4 book (or scrap piece of paper) get the child to write out each word that they got wrong yesterday 7-10 times. (So if they got 2/10 they have to write out the 8 words they got writing out, or if the got 5/10 they have to write out only the 5 words they got wrong out)
• This is the trick, the child will learn to focus more on the stuff they got wrong and try and fix it so they don't have to write out so many words the next day.
3. Now test them in the A5 book (or scrap piece of paper).
4. Let them mark their work.
5. Congratulate them.
6. Keep repeating this till test day

Tips and tricks

Play games

In the car get the child to spell out words for you.

See who can remember all the words

A reward chart for getting 10/10 at home and at school. (1 sticker at home and 2 stickers at school)

Use the words in a sentence (try to make funny sentences because those are easy to remember)

Pro's and Con's

Pro's

• Improving fine motor skills (a.k.a handwriting) 
•  meaning they can now try and write neater- but you might need to plead with them to do that, a reward chart may be needed for that.
• Parent Bonding
•  you and your child start to bond with each other.
• If they mark their own work the child becomes more responsible.

• Improves concentration and focus.

Con's

• Monday will be the longest if you have to sit with them. 
• I use "if" because if your child can do the writing out part by themselves then it won't be that long.
• If the child isn't used to writing their hands might cramp up (stretch them out by making the high five symbol or stars).
• The child might whine or complain at the beginning because it's a lot of work- see the rewards chart idea in tips and tricks.