Nestful of Chickadees

When I began to homeschool I found most spelling workbooks boring. The student was given a list of spelling words followed by a few short lessons. For many students this is enough to learn the list without difficulty. However, there are other students who need additional reinforcement. I homeschool a student who requires more practice in spelling. I have found success with a weekly lesson plan I developed for my daughter.

Monday

On Mondays I hand out the new list of spelling words. Each spelling word is said and spelled aloud. Next, the student copies each word and word definition into a spelling notebook. The writing reinforces spelling and the looking up the definitions reinforces vocabulary and dictionary skills.

Tuesday

Tuesdays are the day the student writes out each word 10 times each. To alleviate boredom I allow the student to write out the words with colored pencils or ultra fine sharpies. After allowing this my kids look forward to writing out their word list. I know writing out words is not a novel idea but it is still a very effective tool.

Wednesday

I assign the student to write a sentence for each spelling word. As a special challenge I have the student write one or two additional sentences using as many spelling words as possible. The sentences must make sense and be neat and grammatically correct. The challenge sentences do not have to make sense but it is required to stil be neat and grammatically correct. For a younger or artistic student you can have him draw a picture to go with one or more of his sentences.

Thursday

Pretest is given to determine which words are still posing difficulty. Any words that are still difficult for the student are to be written out ten times each. This is also the day for spelling games or projects.

Spelling Games and Projects

• Hangman using the spelling list.
• Scramble Challenge: write out each spelling word on construction paper then cut out each word and then each letter. Scramble the letters for each word or all letters for a harder challenge and have the student put the letters together to spell out the spelling word or list.
• Word Family Mobile: If you are using a spelling list associated with word families this is a great project. On a piece of construction paper write the word ending, for example “ight”. With a hole puncher, punch out enough holes for each spelling word. That piece will be the top of the mobile. Then draw a picture for each spelling word, punch a hole in the picture and connect this picture to the top of the mobile by a piece of yarn.
• Spelling Scavenger Hunt: Hide letters (the letters can be written on paper or you can use plastic letters or scrabble letters) throughout the room and have the student collect only those that can make the spelling list. Then the student will have to put the letters together to complete the list.
• Spelling Relay: This can be adapted for one to many students. On one end of the room have a bucket filled with the letters associated with the spelling list. On the other end of the room have a table with plenty of room ready. The student or students start at the table side of the room. By a signal of your choice, the student runs from the table to the bucket and grabs a letter. Once a letter is in hand the student runs back to the table and lays it down. Eventually, the student will have enough letters to form the words. Whoever forms all the words first wins. You may cut the list in half and give each team half the list for a quicker game.
• Spelling Ball: The teacher picks a word and then gives the ball to one student. The student says the first letter and throws the ball to the next student who announces the second letter. In this fashion, the ball is thrown back and forth until the word is spelled out.

Friday

This is spelling test day. If you have the student receit his words orally for to change things up. Another way to change things up is to allow the student to use a dry erase board for the test. I also try to include words for bonus points from last week’s test. Any words missed on the test are written out five times. You may want to add any missed words to the next week’s spelling list if only a few are incorrect.

My daughter literally flunked or recieved a D on every test on term to getting all A’s on spelling tests the next term by implementing these ideas. I wish you the same success and hope this helps you develop your own ideas for spelling fun.

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