How can I help my child with spelling?
Why spelling matters
- Supports clear communication and confidence in writing.
- Builds understanding of how words are constructed and connected.
- Reinforces vocabulary and reading.
Helpful routines
- Practise in short bursts (5-10 minutes).
- Weave spelling into everyday life: labels, notes, messages.
- Create a quiet space and encourage curiosity about words and origins.
Practical spelling strategies
- Look-say-cover-write-check.
- Break words into parts/syllables (e.g. won‑der‑ful, ex‑tra‑or‑din‑ary).
- Spot patterns and families (sign, signal, design; endings like ‑ing, ‑ed, ‑tion).
- Say it as it’s spelt (Wed‑nes‑day; bus‑i‑ness).
- Colour‑code tricky parts and self‑test.
- Use mnemonics (Because – Big Elephants Can Always Understand Small Elephants).
- Make it active: magnetic letters, chalk, sand trays, whiteboards.
- Notice words in the real world and revisit over time (spaced practice).
Games and fun ideas
- Hangman, word ladders, Boggle/Scrabble, Wordle‑style games.
- Create wordsearches or matching games; run a spelling treasure hunt.
Talking about spelling
- What do you notice about this word?
- Do you know any other words like it?
- Which part is tricky for you? How could we remember this?
- Can you spot the pattern?
How school supports spelling
- Teaching patterns/rules, prefixes, suffixes and base words.
- Vocabulary development across subjects and spaced review.
- Strategies for independence (word banks, displays, dictionaries).
Building independence & mindset
- Have a go before asking for help; use available tools; check work.
- Focus on patterns and gradual improvement.
Useful links