Spelling Programmes

Spelling underpins writing in every form from novels to application forms.  Good spelling, rightly or wrongly, creates an impression of the writer to the reader.  Good spelling is particularly important for anyone who is applying for a job or to go to university, but it is also a life skill which helps a person to be confident all round in their abilities.

We are often asked how parents and carers can help children develop their spelling skills.  Below are some ‘top tips’ for improvement:

• learn to touch type and use spell-check within Microsoft Word

• try to learn those words that you keep getting wrong by:
  • post-its placed on the fridge and next to your bed
  • look, say, cover, write check
  • mnemonics – eg ‘because’:  big elephants can always use small elephants
  • emphasising spelling in pronunciation, eg ‘separate’: emphasise the ‘ar’ in the middle when you say the word
  • chunking, eg: say ‘Wednesday’ as ‘wed-nes-day’
  • use colour when writing out difficult words, eg knowledge
  • make words walls subject specific words