Spelling Lesson Plans for Kids

Teaching Spelling to Kids

Spelling is an integral component of both reading and writing, but it's not just important in English and language arts classes. Your students' ability to spell will help them increase vocabulary in all subjects, as well as in everyday life.

Repetition

Spelling requires a great deal of practice since it involves memorization and repetition. Have your students practice by writing out their spelling words. You may even encourage them to spell the words aloud at the same time. Interacting with words in a variety of ways (e.g., hearing, seeing and writing) can help your students become familiar with a word list.

For review before a test, put students in groups of two. Pass out blank note cards, and have each student make flashcards for all the words on the list. Then, have the students take turns quizzing each other using the flashcards. Encourage your students to use these cards at home as well.

Spelling Patterns and Word Parts

Learning spelling patterns and word parts can help children spell new words with minimal effort because they'll recognize familiar parts of the word. For example, the 'shun' sound, found in words like 'multiplication' and 'dictionary,' is often spelled 'tion'. This is a common letter combination that can be useful for your students to know.

Common roots, prefixes and suffixes are some of the word parts that you can teach your class. For example, you might introduce them to common prefixes, like 'anti-,' 'fore-,' 'inter-,' 'pre-' and 'super-,' as well as typical suffixes, like '-able,' '-ance,' '-ence,' '-less' and '-ment.'

Mnemonic Devices

Some words are just plain tricky to spell. For these, it can be helpful for students to come up with a mnemonic device to help them remember. Create one as a whole class or as an individual project for students who consistently misspell a word. For instance, 'together' can be broken down into three words: 'to,' 'get' and 'her.' So, if you leave 'to get her,' then you will be 'together.'