Spelling is vital for kids learning to read and write: the three skills go hand-in-hand. The more kids read, the better spellers they’ll become. The better kids are at spelling, the easier they’ll find writing and composition. When we teach spelling to kids, we’re equipping them with skills they’ll use for a lifetime of written communication with others. Here’s how to start them off right. 

How to Start Teaching Spelling to Kids 

Before students can start spelling words, they need to master letter-sound correspondence. That means they need to understand that each letter makes a specific sound or sounds. Young students spend a lot of time learning their letters and practicing corresponding sounds. 

Try this: Show your child a letter (use flashcards, letter magnets, or even letters you see on street signs). Ask them what sound the letter makes. 

Kids also need to recognize that words are made up of  individual sounds. This is the first step toward being able to spell. 

Try this: Say a word slowly together with your child, pronouncing each of the letter sounds. For example, “Sit. Sss-ih-tuh. Sit.” (Don’t worry about tying the sounds to letters at first, just emphasize the various sounds themselves.) 

Now that students have a basic understanding of letter-sound correspondence, they’re ready to move on to phonics and spelling rules. 

The Relationship Between Phonics and Spelling 

English is a complicated language. Some words are spelled more or less as they sound, but others are much more complex. To help kids learn to read and write, we teach them the rules of phonics. Phonics starts with basic letter-sound correspondence, but progresses to more complicated concepts like: 

• Long vowel sounds
• Short vowel sounds 
• Hard and soft sounds for C and G 
• Digraphs: Two letters that make one sound, like /th/ or /ch/ 
• Vowel teams: Two vowels that make one sound, usually the sound of the first vowel, as in the /ea/ in “cream” or /oa/ in “boat” 
• Diphthongs: Two vowels together that make a sound that slides from one to the next, as in the /ou/ in “round” or /ee/ in “cheer” 

Phonics and spelling go hand in hand. When they understand phonics concepts, students will find it easier to sound out and spell more difficult words. Learn more about phonics here. 

Fun Ways to Teach Spelling 

Regular spelling practice is important, especially for mastering words that don’t follow common spelling patterns. Kids will be much more willing to work on this skill if you use spelling games or fun interactive activities. Here are some to try: 

• Get Physical: Write the alphabet on the sidewalk in chalk, or use sticky notes to place them all over your wall at various heights. As kids spell words on their list, they can jump from letter to letter, or slap the corresponding sticky notes with their hands. 

• Word Jumbles: Give students the letters they need to spell a word, and ask them to put them into the correct order. Try this with letter magnets or beads so kids can move them around until they get the right answer. 

• Scrabble: Whether or not you keep score, Scrabble is one of the best spelling games for all ages. For the youngest players, forget about the board and just take turns using tiles to add new words. 

• Spelling Bee: Some students love to compete and test their skills in front of others. Encourage all participants by allowing second chances in the earlier rounds. 

Where to Find Age-Appropriate Spelling Words 

Each language arts curriculum program uses its own set of spelling words. You can find lists online, including our own lists by grade: 

• Kindergarten Spelling Words  
• First Grade Spelling Words
• Second Grade Spelling Words  

Another great way to build a spelling word list is to read books with your child. As they come across words that are new to them, add them to your running list of spelling words to practice. 

Spelling and More

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How to Help Struggling Spellers 

It can be hard to watch your child struggle with spelling, but with increased high-quality reading and spelling experiences they can become a stronger speller.

Here are a few tips to help students and parents.

• Read More: The more kids are exposed to words in print, the easier it will be for them to recognize and recall them later. Encourage them to read anything and everything, from comics and graphic novels to magazines and beyond.  

• Try Spelling Apps: Children are always looking for an excuse for more screen time. Use a trusted spelling app or online program like ABCmouse to encourage spelling practice in a fun way. 

As literacy expert Dr. Louisa Moats said on ReadingRockets.org, “Spelling is a visible record of a child’s language processing, and gives us a window into what a child understands about word structure and speech sounds, and how we use letters to represent those sounds​”. This insight underscores the importance of spelling in understanding and mastering language, emphasizing that good spellers also become better readers and writers.

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