Practical Spelling Strategies That Work Wonders for Students

July 19, 2024

Communication skills are the foundation of all social interactions. And effective expression certainly adds great value to our lives!

From workplace success to academic pursuits, clear communication is a powerful tool to reduce ambiguity and avoid misunderstandings. Globally, effective communication is a highly valued 21^st-century skill.

However, it takes a lot of effort to develop these skill in students.

In India, English is a second language. And many teachers struggle to know how to improve spelling mistakes in English?

Do you know India still has a long way to attain the desired English language proficiency levels?

Well!

Here’s a piece of evidence.

Out of 113 countries India ranks 60^th in the EF English Proficiency Index (EPI, a standardized test to classify language abilities). In Asia, we rank 9 out of 23 countries. But again this standing is not very impressive. The chart below shows our scores (India-504) vs. the global average (493).

English proficiency index India vs Global Average

Let’s take a closer look and discover some spelling strategies that can work wonders in our multi-ethnic Indian classrooms.

Before we discuss how to learn English spelling, let’s analyse the reasons why we need to get spellings right in the first place.

Why are Correct Spellings Important in Communication?

Language establishes a medium for communication. And incorrect spellings cause a breakdown in the process of communicating information. With spelling techniques we help students to develop the ability to communicate seamlessly without any barriers.

This saves time, energy, and passes the right message to reduces the chances of ambiguity. Individuals who master spelling techniques are more likable in general life and workplace. Because they depict a clarity of thought, demonstrate mastery over the language, and make the overall communication process hassle-free in every sense (especially through the written mediums).

For obvious reasons like these, traditional and online school teachers use varied spelling methods to help students develop a sound understanding of spellings from the initial years of formal education. In the next section we will discuss some spelling strategies for online school students.

Benefits of correct spellings | Spelling Strategies

What are the Best Spelling Strategies for Online School Students?

Digital Spelling Activities

Like the teachers in traditional schools, online teachers also plan a number of activities to address the challenge, how to improve spelling mistakes in English. Some common activities include:

Spell and write– Teachers make use of a flashcard with a spelling, students look at the word and reattempt the spelling after the teacher flips the flashcard. When the student writes down the spelling on a paper, both teacher and student display the spelling together. Simple spelling techniques like these can be clubbed with reinforcement strategies like spelling champ charts, virtual stars (for the day or week, etc.), or simply an applause.
Collaborative spelling race– This fun activity can be done in pairs or groups, teacher calls out the word, and one participant from each team attempts the answer on a paper or on live chat. Teams compete with each other. And the winners further take up the next level of challenges such as more complex spell bee contests etc. As students understand how to learn English spelling, gradually they can also choose volunteers from other teams for the upcoming virtual contests.

Spelling Apps

Online students can also make use of varied spelling apps that can help them to make connections with suffix, prefix, and silent letters etc. Such simple spelling strategies help students to sharpen their spelling skills. And gradually, they learn to spell words correctly instead of spelling these as per their literal pronunciation.

These interactive apps make spelling techniques enjoyable for all age groups. You can also find some inbuilt tests that can further be customized as per the student’s literacy skills, age, and linguistic abilities. Try out apps like Spellwizards, Reading Eggs, and DoodleSpell, etc.

Teaching Resources

Hand made charts, pinwheels, flashcards, cut outs, have great value in an online learning environment. Virtual educators can also look for online resources such as video lessons, spelling tests, and animations etc. All these are excellent ways of adding variation to spelling strategies in an online classroom. Besides, the top online schools always promote a collaborative work environment wherein the best resources are created, shared, and appreciated as well.

Once students strengthen their spelling skills, they also understand how to improve spelling mistakes in English. Let’s discuss some tips (as per the student’s age groups) that can bring down common spelling errors.

Quick Tips and Spelling Strategies for Early Learners

Explain simple patterns (spelling methods) through examples.
Repeat for a better understanding.
Go slow with the pronunciation.
Make spelling techniques fun with hand made resources/aids (like stick puppets, stickers, charts, bubble chits, etc.).
Create understanding by making use of their surroundings before teaching spellings of objects.
Reinforce good performance with applause, star charts, wall of fame mention etc.

Some Tips and Spelling Strategies for Advanced Students

Break down complex words into parts.
Look for words with similar pronunciation to connect knowledge.
Assign a spelling buddy to challenge with new words, meanings, and make sentences together.
Give tasks like jotting 3 new words everyday and using these into projects, answers, and assignments, etc.
Let students consume content that helps in strengthening language skills (TV shows, international dramas, stage performances, newspapers, etc.)

How to Learn English Spelling- Pro Tips by a Leading Journal:

90% of the 20,000 common English words can be learned with the following 4 rules:

Percentage of common english words can be learned with 4 rules

Rule 1- Sounds and symbols:

Most patterns of sounds and symbols are the same, excluding some exceptions. For example the sound of ‘eigh’ is perfectly used in the word ‘neighbour’.

Rule 2- Conventional patterns and spelling strategies:

In the past, some words were identified wrongly because of their similar written symbols. Common examples of these are ‘u’ misunderstood as ‘v’, or ‘j’ and ‘i’. While spelling words like reserve, conserve, serve, we can remember that they end with the sound ‘e’. Likewise, words ending with ‘dge’ sound like ‘j’ in the end, for example, dodge or lodge.

Rule 3- Origin of word and spelling methods:

Certain words are pronounced as per the pronunciation rules of the originating country/place. For instance the sound of ‘ph’ is similar to the sound ‘f’. As per the Greek origin, words like ‘physical’, ‘philosophy’, photo and phrase, etc. have the common sound ‘f’ for ‘ph’.

Rule 4- Meaning or implication for spelling technique

Words like health (from heal) or storekeeper depict the exact meaning. By understanding the meaning, we can also know the ways to spell such words.

Final Thoughts

Spellings are in integral part of English communication. The ability to spell correctly opens the avenues of academic success, and the benefits continue in adulthood with better employment prospects. Use the most productive spelling methods as per the student’s preference. And witness the joy of unleashing great linguistic abilities in your budding stars!

You can also read some more related articles about English communication, writing skills, and the importance of poetry.

We also invite you to visit this page to know about the NEXT-GEN skill-based schooling through a 100% virtual medium.

Thanks for Reading!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some spelling strategies for online school students?
Online teachers can help students with spelling strategies by using readily available virtual resources. Mobile applications, interactive videos, customizable tests, and puzzles, etc. help students to master spellings.
How to learn English spelling?
Practice is the key to learn spellings. You must follow the basic rules (spelling methods), and focus on developing understanding instead of mugging up spellings.
How to improve spelling mistakes in English?
You must learn to decipher meaning, and check the origin and sound of word before practicing. This understanding will help you to spell words correctly.