Spelling - Part 2
Contents

Part 1

SPELLING TIPS
KEEPING A PERSONAL SPELLING LIST
USING COMPUTER SPELL CHECKERS
USING DICTIONARIES AND THESAURUSES
SPELLING RULES - PATTERNS

Part 2

OTHER STRATEGIES FOR BEING A GOOD SPELLER
SPELLING USING VISUAL INFORMATION
SPELLING USING AUDITORY INFORMATION
SPELLING USING KINAESTHETIC MNEMONICS (MEMORY JOGS)
LOOK-SAY-COVER-WRITE-CHECK TECHNIQUE

 
OTHER STRATEGIES FOR BEING A GOOD SPELLER

We all have our own preferred learning style. See the guide to learning styles on this site for more information.

Try out the suggestions below and use the ones that best suit you. You may want to use a combination of these suggestions as in the LOOK-SAY-COVER-WRITE-CHECK technique.

 Techniques for visual learners

If you are a visual learner to develop your visual memory for words you could try:

Writing each syllable of the word in different colours or fonts.
E.g. psy chol og y. If a word has a tricky part, draw attention to it by using colour or a different font. E.g. relevant, accommodation, photography

Writing the syllables in different sizes. Eg. psy chol og y

Outlining the shape of a word Eg.

Looking for small words in larger words
Eg. sat is fact or y

Looking for patterns in words. Eg. patterns of letters - ation as in location, accommodation

Making a picture of the word in your mind. Eg.

 Techniques for auditory learners

If you are an auditory learner, to develop your memory of the sound of words, try:

Carefully pronouncing words by breaking them into chunks or syllables
Eg.
el - e - phant
um - brell -a
vul - ner - able

Pronouncing the word carefully aloud or inside your head in a way that exaggerates the sound of the correct spelling.
Eg.
Wed - nes - day
rel - e - vant
Feb - ru - ary

Listening for patterns in sound.
Eg.
chemist
charisma

Grouping words that rhyme e.g. design, resign

 Techniques for kinaesthetic learners

If you are a kinaesthetic learner, to develop the feel of the spelling of a word, try

Using your finger to trace the spelling of words on the desk, in the air or on a misty mirror.

Writing the word and cutting it into syllables. Then rearrange the pieces to 'make' the word.

Mnemonics - Memory Jogs

Mnemonics are memory tricks to help you to 'fix' a difficult spelling in your mind. Other people's mnemonics may be useful, but if you invent your own they are sure to stick in your memory.

Here are some ideas.

a piece of pie

You hear with your ear and you learn

Pull apart to separate

You add your address

Accommodation has 2 cots and 2 mattresses

See the lie in believe

Four, fourteen, but u can't be forty!

The inheritance is theirs because they are the heirs.

It's their heirloom

The penguin ruined his suit with fruit juice.

Your secretary will keep your secret!

It's necessary to have 1 collar and 2 socks

Who ate the L in grateful?

Write definite

Definite has 2 i's in it

br! It's February in England.

stationery - remember e for envelope or er for letter

For more information on mnemonics, try Amanda's website!

Using the LOOK-SAY-COVER-WRITE-CHECK Technique

This method trains you to picture whole words and write them fluently. It uses all three learning styles and can be quite an effective technique for learning spelling words. Use the page following for your own list.

Here is an example of the technique used by someone who wants to learn to spell the word crescent.

MAKE SURE THE WORD IS SPELLED CORRECTLY BEFORE YOU START TO LEARN IT!

1. Write the word clearly. Crescent

2. Look at it carefully. Don't just glance at it. Study it.

Crescent

3. Say it. Think about the different syllables.

Cres/cent

Notice the separate parts in the right order as you say it.

4. Try to get a picture of the whole word in your mind. Create a mental picture associating the word with a symbol or picture.

Crescent

5. Cover the word you have learned.

6. Write the word in one go without looking at the original.

DON'T LOOK BACK TO CHECK LETTER BY LETTER. If you get stuck, cross it out and start again.
Look at the original and try again.

7. When you've finished, and not before, look back at the original and check if you're right.

Crescent

8. When you've 'got' a word - PRACTISE IT!

9. Write the word in your personal spelling notebook (alphabetical notebook) where you can find it again when you want to use it. Keep using the word in your writing.

Test yourself regularly and keep a record.

For example:

When you are revising a word you learned some time ago, look at the correct spelling before testing yourself. This will refresh your visual memory and increase your chances of getting it right first time. This is better than practising the wrong spelling over and over.

Here's a blank record sheet to use for your own spelling words.
Print off a few to use.

Remember: LOOK - SAY - COVER - WRITE - CHECK

Some of above material adapted from The Starter Pack published by ALBSU - The Basic Skills Unit, Commonwealth House, 1-19 New Oxford Street, London, WCIA INU, May1991 - Updated 1995, pages 5 & 6

Guide developed by Jenny Watt, North Coast Institute © TAFE NSW, North Coast Institute