There is not a guaranteed way for everyone to learn to spell. It does not come as a natural talent to everyone and memorization is not a skill that all possess. After many years of teaching here are a couple things that have worked for some of my students. It is at least another avenue to try.

Try the famous salt on a cookie sheet trick. The student spells the word with his/her finger in the layer of salt and then wipes it away. This is done seven consecutive times. Why seven? That is what I have written in my notes.

The multiple-choice guide is interesting. It's based on the student learning to recognize that the work looks right. Have the word written three times with only one correct spelling. Highlight with the student the correct spelling. Now write the words while spelling them out loud. Next time the student highlights them without your help and the spelling begins again.

Tap your toe as you spell the word. This adds a physical dimension and can help build another memory trail.

Lightly spray a tissue with a scent. Make sure you have it close enough to smell as you practice spelling. Bring a tissue with the same scent to school when testing. Again this helps build another memory trail. Some parents found this one hard to believe. So we did a little workshop with smelly pot. They would smell the scent and then write on the card a memory with that scent. It was enlightening.

Scrabble tiles and cookie sheets are a good way to put letters together and make it a little different.

Do a word hunt. Write the word on word strips and hide them all over the house. When you find them all trace the words.

Most importantly, when you find something that works please share it with the teacher. They really are looking for your ideas.

Learn more about this author, Trenna Sue Hiler.
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