One of the problems my students have with writing is that they were taught “invented spelling” in kindergarten and first grade. One way to help them move away from invented spelling and move toward conventional spelling (or book spelling) is to make them a copy of their own spelling book. Whether we like it or not, spelling is important in writing. Even though we have spell check and mostly use computers, it is still important to know how to spell words correctly. A personal spelling book can help develop this habit. Staple several sheets of paper together to make a 26-page booklet. Help your child write a letter of the alphabet (in order) at the top of each page. You could add some commonly used words to the spelling book right away. When your child writes, encourage him/her to open their own spelling book to the page with the first letter of the word they want to spell. Write each word on its corresponding page, and have your child repeatedly refer to these words throughout the writing session. Encourage your child to grow as a writer by using his/her own spelling book whenever he/she writes. This lifelong skill teaches independence as well as spelling correctly! Independence means that they have the skills to find words they cannot spell without depending on us! Happy writing!
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