Studying for Spelling Tests

by Jennie Smith
Secondary Assistant Principal

The dreaded weekly spelling test - in my household studying for the spelling test can become a knock-down drag-out-free-for-all.  So when one of my sons began struggling with spelling in the first grade, this mama/teacher had to reach deep and get creative.  Our resource teacher was super helpful and gave me some great hints for creative studying practices and now I share her ideas and some of my own with you.

Play hangman - your child chooses a word from his or her spelling list and you try to guess before the man hangs.  This helps them to focus on letter placement and they are looking at the word every time you guess a letter.

White board - I don't know why, but my son loves to write his spelling words on the white board.  If you ask him to write it on a white paper, there is weeping and gnashing of teeth.  Change the paper to board and life is exquisite.

Alphabet blocks - Use the old fashioned alphabet blocks and have your child build the word.  This can also take the form with the magnetic letters you put on the fridge.  Don't have either of those?  Make your own letters with scrap-booking stickers or markers.

Storytelling - Have your child write a story, but they have to include 10 of their spelling words.

Puzzles - write the words on index cards and cut them into puzzle pieces.  Have your child put their spelling word puzzles together for extra practice.

Paint - My son loves using the computer.  So I open up the "Paint" program and he creates the words with special colors.  Print them out and hang the masterpieces around the house - every time he looks at them, he's studying.


Love Notes - One week, try sending a new note in the lunchbox.  Try to use as many spelling words as possible.  Or leave a message in the bathroom for her to find.  Some students who are very visual will benefit from seeing the word over and over.

The Test - Have your child test YOU.  They are hearing and seeing the word at the same time. Be sure to make some intentional errors  to make sure they are paying attention. 

Do you have any ideas for creative studying?  Leave them in the comments below.  I always need new ones!