Activities to Make Spelling Fun

As a dyslexic it takes a bit more work for me to spell but it encouraged me to find fun ways to teach spelling to my children to help them earn this important skill.  I have a passion for making learning fun so as with everything else I look for ways to make this taxing subject something to look forward to.  Any subject can be fun if you make it that way.

Making spelling fun requires you to think outside of the box. One way to teach spelling is with sign language. This is called fingerspelling and is a great way to help your child combine both the left and right sides of the brain aiding in memory retention of those oh so fun spelling words.

Fingerspelling: Fingerspelling is a great way to use the hands to practice spelling anywhere and can become a valuable communication tool.

Board games: Pull out that Scrabble for a family game night focused on this important skill. The kids wont even know they are learning. Need a version for the little ones? How about Boggle JR where even the youngest kids can join in on the fun.

Play with chalk: Skip the paper spelling test and pull out the chalk. Kids can write spelling words as big as they want and even create pictures out of the words. When they are done passers-by can enjoy seeing your child’s word creations. The next rain will wash it away so you can do it all over again.

Word Scavenger Hunt: Hide spelling words around the classroom or outdoor space and have students search for them. Once they find a word, they must spell it correctly before moving on to the next one.

Spell in the Dark: Turn off the lights and give each student a flashlight. Call out a spelling word and have the students shine their light on the letters as they spell it out loud.

Spelling Bee: Hold a spelling bee competition where students take turns spelling out words until only one student is left standing.

Word Sort: Give students a list of spelling words and have them sort them into categories based on spelling patterns, such as words that end in “-ight” or words with a silent “e”.

Spelling Relay Race: Divide students into teams and have them spell out words one letter at a time, passing a baton or object to the next person in line for each correct letter.

Word Puzzles: Create word puzzles, such as crossword puzzles or word searches, using spelling words to help students practice spelling while having fun.

Spelling Bingo: Create bingo cards with spelling words, and call out words for students to spell and mark off on their bingo cards.

Why Learning to Spell is so important

Communication: Spelling is an essential tool for communication. Accurate spelling helps ensure that a message is clear and easily understood by the intended audience.

Writing: Spelling is an important part of writing. Correct spelling helps to convey the intended meaning and makes written work more readable.

Learning: Spelling is also important for learning. When students can spell words correctly, they are better able to read and comprehend texts, which helps them to acquire new knowledge.

Confidence: Learning to spell can also boost a student’s confidence in their ability to use language effectively. This can help students to feel more confident in their writing and communication skills.

Academic and Professional Success: Good spelling skills are often expected in academic and professional settings, where mistakes in spelling can undermine the credibility and professionalism of written work.