Ten Fun Creative Ways to Practice Spelling Words

If you have an elementary school student, you probably have the dreaded weekly spelling list as part of the homework routine.  LJ is pretty good about doing his homework with no complaints (it helps that he loves reading and math) but practicing spelling words always elicits a groan out of him.

If your student also dislikes practicing spelling words, finding a new and creative way to practice them can minimize the "groan factor" a bit.  Here are some creative ideas on how to get that practice in:

* Write the words in shaving cream.  This is best done on a surface that can be easily cleaned such as a jelly roll pan.  If your child likes taking a bath, the shower wall works well too.

* Text the words to another phone/device.  This is only advisable if you have unlimited texting or iMessage.  I'd hate to see you receive an unexpected cell phone bill because of all the texts!

* Write a story using as many of the words as possible. Give extra "points" if two or more words are in one sentence.

* Write the words in the snow. Take an empty ketchup, mustard, or any squeeze-type bottle and add water and food coloring.  Squirt the liquid onto the snow to form the letters.  (If you live in a warm climate, you can use sidewalk chalk.)

* Write with your non-dominate hand. If your child is right handed, try writing the list with the left hand.  The result may not be legible, but it is the act of writing the letters that will help the memory stick.

* Make a ransom note. Cut letters out of old newspapers and/or magazines.  Glue the letters on a piece of paper to form the words "ransom" style.

* Use Scrabble tiles.  Use Scrabble tiles and the board to see how many of the words can intersect and how many points can be earned.

* Play a guessing game. Have your student guess which word you are looking at on the list by using clues such as "it has a silent e on the end" or "this word uses the short a sound near the beginning".

* Use magic!  Have your student write their words on white construction paper with a white crayon.  Then paint over the paper with watercolor paint (like in those paint trays) and the words will appear - like magic!

* Use iPad or tablet apps. Playing with my iPad is always a treat for LJ.  I downloaded SpellBoard Buddy which allows me to create weekly spelling lists (I record the word and an example sentence).  LJ types the words in and writes them using a stylus which he loves.

Hopefully one or two of these ideas will sound like fun to your student and make learning those weekly words a little easier!