Dear Amy,
My 3rd grader is having trouble with spelling. She spells phonetically and can't seem to get the letter combinations correct. Do you have any quick tips that can help?
Thanks,
Henry
Hi Henry!
Phonetic spelling is not uncommon; we all do it as children and adults. What is the first thing that you do when you can't spell a word? You sound it out. After you take a guess at the word based on sound you check to see if the word "looks right". You are "looking" for the language rules that guide our spelling. Did an "i" follow and "e" except after "c"? Do you have a "q" without a "u" after it? Are your plurals right? See what I mean? You naturally apply the grammar rules. Phonetics tells you how a word should sound, which is a great starting point - but there is just no getting around knowing the rules. You can best help your child make the transition through:
- Flash Cards. Tried and true, flash cards are still around because they work. Put the phonetic sounds on one side (long e) and a possible spelling on the other side (ie). Find more flash card options by clicking here.
- Word Puzzles. Crossword and word-find puzzles are really good language tools. Crosswords teach you what words mean or the context they are used in and their spelling. Word-finds are great for spelling because you can't find the word if you don't spelling it right.
- Word Games. Mad Libs, Boggle, Scrabble, Hang Man, Horse (but with a different word each time) - these are classic word games. Make up your own games - see how many words you can name that end with "ought". Rhyme, but make a rule such as you have to make the same sound but with only different spellings of it (train, plane; speak, week).
The best thing you can do is admit that learning spelling rules is hard. The best, least painful way to get a handle on it is to make spelling a habit. Incorporate it into your daily life. Talk about words - when passing a sign talk to your child about how the word is spelled. "Isn't weird how that word sounds like "_______" but is spelled like "________"? Conversationally point out spelling and follow up with a word game here and there - and use the flash cards. It is a lot more fun than memorizing a list.
