Spelling
 
 
Frequently Used Words Activity Alphabet Cereal Spelling
 

SPELLING IMPROVEMENT ACTIVITY FOR FREQUENTLY USED WORDS

This activity is based on a commercially available game called "Blurt"

MATERIALS:

METHOD:

  1. I give my students a hand made dictionary of frequently used words.
  2. From the list, I assign each student a number of words.
  3. For each word they look up the simple definition in a dictionary, write it in rough in the left hand column of the prepared sheet then write the word.
  4. They proofread their work, going through all the proofreading strategies.
  5. In the right hand column there are identical boxes into which they NEATLY write/print a "good" copy.
  6. I then cut these out, put on cards and laminate if necessary.
  7. The Game: Divide class into groups & play in a similar way to Jeopardy. Each student must take their turn. The definition is read and the 1st student to raise their hand has to a) Give the word (1 point) & b) Spell it correctly (2 more points).
  8. The students enjoy the game format and prizes or house points can be given if you wish.

EXTENSION:

Taking and adapting an idea from Rebecca Sitton (Spelling Instruction That Makes Sense-Workshop), I have also found that once a student is able to spell a word correctly on a test, I make them responsible for that word in ALL their writing. My adaptation is that the consequence for misspelling a word that they know, had to be worse than the bother of looking up the correct spelling. I tried Sitton's way & the students didn't take me seriously. Thus, horrid as it may seem, my consequence is that they write out the misspelled word 200 times! It was amazing the improvement that there was in the spelling of everyday words! Bringing (to quote Sitton) "the look of literacy" to my students work. It takes some time, but I threaten that I can pick any piece of work (except rough draft creative writing) to check for spelling. Obviously I make allowances for students who have extreme difficulties.
 
 

ALPHABET CEREAL SPELLING

Getting students to practice spelling words can be difficult, because although it is important, students don't find it very inspiring. To make it fun, use alphabet cereal and watch the students learn while having fun.

MATERIALS:

METHOD:

  1. Divide class into groups of 2-3
  2. Give each group a cup of cereal and paper for the "spelling"
  3. Instruct students that they can make "new" letters by using their teeth (for example, make an "E" an "F")
  4. Give students words to spell (one at a time) and check for accuracy- students can help judge at this point to keep the game moving. Each team that correctly spells the word gets a point. The winning team has the most points.
    5. "Clean up" the cereal. (Usually, this is no problem!)