Copying a word out ten times rarely makes it stick. Children learn spellings better when they say the word, spot the tricky part, write it from memory and check it â little and often across the week. Here are the methods that work, ideas to make practice fun, and a calm weekly routine for spelling tests.
Why copying out doesnât work
Copying lets the hand move without the brain recalling anything. Children can copy perfectly and still not remember the word the next day. Spelling sticks through recall â writing the word from memory and checking it.
Method 1: look, say, cover, write, check
- Look at the word carefully.
- Say it aloud, clearly.
- Cover it.
- Write it from memory.
- Check it. If itâs wrong, look at which part went wrong and try again.
Method 2: find the tricky bit
Most words are only tricky in one place: the âaiâ in said, the double âcâ in accommodate. Ask your child: âWhich part of this word is the tricky bit?â Then focus there â underline it, colour it, exaggerate it when saying it.
Method 3: spot the pattern
Spelling lists often share a pattern â a sound, a rule or a word ending. Help your child notice it: âWhat do all these words have in common?â Learning one pattern helps with many words.
Method 4: memory tricks for stubborn words
- Silly sentences: because â Big Elephants Can Always Understand Small Elephants.
- Words inside words: thereâs âa ratâ in separate.
- Say it as itâs spelt: âWed-nes-dayâ.
Fun ways to practise
- Write words in shaving foam, sand or with a finger on their back.
- Spelling hangman or word searches they make themselves.
- Rainbow writing â each letter in a different colour.
- Sticky notes around the house with the weekâs words.
- A quick spelling âquiz showâ at dinner.
A calm weekly routine for spelling tests
| Day | Activity (5â10 minutes) |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Read the list together, find the pattern and the tricky bits |
| Day 2 | Look, say, cover, write, check â all words |
| Day 3 | A fun game with the words |
| Day 4 | Practice test; focus on the words they got wrong |
| Day before | Quick final test on the trickiest words only |
When spelling is a real struggle
If your child finds spelling much harder than reading, mixes up letter order often, or makes very little progress despite regular practice, mention it to the teacher. Persistent difficulties can sometimes point to a specific learning difficulty, which a qualified professional can assess.
Common mistakes
- Copying out lines instead of recalling.
- All the practice the night before.
- Practising words they already know while skipping hard ones.
- Making it stressful. Calm, short sessions work best.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best way to help a child learn spellings?
Use recall-based methods like look, say, cover, write, check; focus on the tricky part of each word; and practise little and often across the week.
How long should spelling practice take?
Five to ten minutes a day is usually enough, spread across the week.
My child can spell words in the test but not in writing. Why?
Tests check words in isolation. Encourage them to use the words in sentences and to proofread their own writing.
Does reading help spelling?
Reading widely exposes children to words and patterns, which supports spelling, though spelling also needs specific practice.
Next steps
When the next list comes home, try the five-day routine above. To build vocabulary and enjoyment alongside spelling, see how to get your child to read.