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by Mary Anne Edwards
Topics: First Grade, Writing
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When it comes to spelling, using a hands-on activity can help children remember each word better than just reading the word on a page. Want to give your kid some spelling practice, without making her groan? Take her spelling list on the road! What You Need:

  • 1 metal cookie sheet
  • Your child's current spelling list
  • 26 magnetic alphabet letters (extra vowels are helpful)
  • Lined paper
  • A pencil

What You Do:

  1. Have your child copy her current spelling list onto a piece of lined paper using a pencil.
  2. The next time you’re out for a ride, tuck the list into your kid’s pocket, slide the cookie sheet and magnetic letters into the backseat, and get ready for some on-the-move practice. Ask your child to use the magnetic letters to spell each of his spelling words on the cookie sheet. At first, he can use the spelling list for reference. But once he’s done that once or twice, take the list from him and read each word aloud from the front seat, asking him to spell each word you say on the cookie sheet. (Make sure to wait for a stop light, parents!)
  3. Try to mix up the order of the words you read to make sure that your kid really knows them. You might also ask him to use each word in a sentence to ensure he knows its meaning.

Sure it’s simple, but this activity works! And it’s a whole lot more fun than sitting at a desk, trying to memorize a set of spelling words.