Why is it that some children who read easily find it so hard to express themselves in writing? Is their spelling holding them back? Here’s how you can help.
The Spelling-Writing Connection
As a teacher analysing children’s literacy levels, I came across many children who had good oral language skills and strong comprehension, but their written work lagged behind their reading ability. Often, they limited themselves to words they could spell, instead of using the richer vocabulary they wanted to express.
To be fully literate, children need to read and comprehend, but also competently express themselves in written language. Spelling plays a vital role in this process. While we often think of spelling as memorising words, it also helps develop reading skills by reinforcing the link between sounds and letters.
How Spelling Skills Develop
Children learn differently—some are visual learners, while others are tactile, auditory, or analytical. Understanding your child’s learning style can help open pathways to better literacy. For instance, spelling isn’t just about seeing words; it’s also about hearing sounds and connecting them to letters.
If your child struggles with spelling, simply copying words isn’t the most effective approach. Instead, try multi-sensory games and activities that combine hearing, seeing, and tactile learning.
Practical Activities to Improve Spelling
- Short Vowel Sounds:
Can your child identify short vowel sounds (a, e, i, o, u)? Start with simple words like bat, bed, hid, log, and rug. Use magnetic letters or flashcards for a fun activity where your child matches sounds to letters. - Consonant Blends:
Practice tricky blends like sl, sp, gr. Some children pick these up naturally, but others need specific teaching to recognise and pronounce them. - Syllables:
Break words into syllables. For example, with fantastic, have your child say fan-tas-tic aloud and write each syllable in a different colour. This chunking method improves focus and reduces errors.
Overcoming Spelling Frustrations
Many older children struggle with weekly spelling tests, memorising words at home but forgetting them during tests. Here are a few ways to help:
- Cut words into syllables: This helps with pronunciation and focus.
- Say words aloud: Hearing the word in chunks reinforces spelling.
- Write in colours: Using different colours for each syllable makes the word more visually memorable.
Encouraging these practices can boost your child’s confidence to tackle unfamiliar words and self-correct errors.
Build Confidence Through Multi-Sensory Learning
When your child asks how to spell a word, guide them to ask instead, “How do I write that sound?” This reinforces the connection between hearing, speaking, and writing. If your child continues to struggle, consider seeking professional help for assessments and tutoring.
Spelling isn’t just about getting words “right”—it’s about building the foundational skills that support lifelong literacy. By creating multi-sensory activities, you can help your child enjoy learning and become more confident in expressing themselves.
Mary Ashby-Green is a former Acting Principal, who specialised in teaching children with learning and behavioural difficulties. Today, she trains teachers in Jolly Phonics, and she works individually with children who have anxiety about learning, using her NLP training. For more information, go to www.breakfreephonics.co.nz
