Mrs. Cowan's Parent Web Page

Here are some hints I have given my students over the years to help them remember their spelling words. Spelling is an essential skill used everyday. Practicing spelling does not have to be dull and monotonous. It can be fun and engaging. The key to making it fun is to vary the suggestions below. Try all of the hints. However, be sure to practice daily because spelling is a critical skill that needs to be reinforced daily. Practice helps children to be prepared for their spelling tests. More importantly though, practice provides improved spelling which thereby improves writing which is a vital skill.

· Click here to log on to Quizlet

Email Mrs. Cowan for the username and password.

Write your words 3 times each.

· Trace your words in crayon or marker.

· Write a sentence for each word..

· Make flashcards using markers.

· Illustrate each word.

· Make a crossword puzzle with your words.

· Make a word search with your words.

· Click here to create games.

· Have the children say and spell the words into a tape recorder and then listen to it.

· Use play dough to make the words.

· Use play dough to have your child write the words in it.

· Use a box of sand, rice, or salt to have your child use his or finger to write the word.

· Write each word on two index cards and then play concentration.

· Use letter tiles to spell out your words.

· Use magnetic letters to spell out your words.

· Paint your spelling words.

Write your spelling words across and then write them down. For example:

C A R T

Divide your spelling words based on patterns. For example, group all of the cr words together and all of the br words together.

· Type your words up on the computer. Change the colors and fonts. Have fun with it!

· Paint your spelling words.

Write your spelling words in a pyramid shape. Start with the first letter. On the next line, write the first two letters. On the next line, write the first three letters. Continue until you have written the entire word.

C A

C A R

C A R T

Instead of writing sentences with your spelling words, see if you can turn the words into a story.

Here are some additional hints to help you learn new spelling words. When you are trying to learn a new word, use the
LOOK - THINK - COVER - WRITE - CHECK method to
memorize it.

Step 1: LOOK carefully at the new word. How can you
break it into smaller bits? Do any of the smaller
bits remind you of the patterns of letters from
other words?

Step 2: THINK about the parts of the words which might
cause problems - double letters for instance, or a
vowel that isn't pronounced as you would expect.

Step 3: COVER the word and close your eyes. Try to see it
in your mind.

Step 4: WRITE the word down without looking back.

Step 5: CHECK to see if you're right. If not, look carefully
at where you went wrong and try again.

Thanks for stopping by.

Thanks,

Mrs. Cowan