There is no set strategy for successfully preparing a child for a spelling exam. Since everyone learns differently, study methods should align with a student's learning style. Here are some spelling test tips geared towards the three main types of learners; Visual, Audio, and Kinesthetic.

Visual Learners - Visual learners absorb information best when it is presented to them through illustrations and graphics. These are the students who are most likely to learn their spelling words through traditional flashcard methods. Visual learners will also benefit from associating spelling words with images. Try playing a simple memory game where students match spelling words with pictures. Finally, constant exposure to the visual form of the letters will help the student master a spelling word. Try constructing a spelling wall somewhere the child will view the words frequently. A more creative option is to make a simple board game with spelling words as spaces. The child will move a piece along the board and spell each word he or she lands on. This method allows the learner to repeatedly view spelling words and practice recalling them from memory.

Audio Learners - Audio learners appreciate information they can hear. Traditionally, these students learn by reciting spelling words. A more creative twist on this method would be to have the child record his or her recitation and listen to it. Another, more entertaining, approach is to create a song based on the spelling words, which the student can listen to or sing. Simple pneumatic devices are also useful for audio learners. They can make a simple sentence from each letter in the word and repeat this phrase until the word is learned. For example, the word CAR might make the sentence "Cars are racing." Bigger words can be broken into smaller parts in the same way. For the word, Together a useful sentence might be "We will work TOGETHER to get her." Another approach is to have the student clap the syllables of the word as they say it. This also helps audio learners break bigger words into parts.

Kinesthetic Learners - These are the students who learn best by doing. Unfortunately, studying for spelling tests might be hardest for such active children. Traditionally, these students have benefited from repeatedly writing spelling words. However, this is one of the most boring and tedious study methods available. A better option is to have the child build spelling words using letter blocks or cards. For a more active approach, place letter cards on the floor or wall and have students walk over to them to spell a word. Kinesthetic learners might also enjoy creating pictures based around the letters in the word. For example, the word FLOWER can be made to resemble a flower garden.

By tailoring study methods to an individual's learning style, the student will more easily acquire and retain information for an upcoming spelling test or any other assessment. If you are unsure of your child's learning style, there are many simple tests available on the web. You can also combine several of the above study methods to help multiple learners in a group.

Learn more about this author, Rebecca Hersh.
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