How to Make Your First Grader a ‘Pro’ at Spelling

The development of your child is not just about his pragmatic knowledge. Schools around the world place a great emphasis on linguistic recognition, particularly with grammar. A large part of the first-grade curricula around the world is heavily based on spelling. Here is how you can make your first grader a spelling pro.

What Are the Basic Spellings Taught to a Child in Grade 1?

When learning to spell in grade 1, your child will be eased into words that are age-appropriate. This means there won’t be many silent alphabets in the initial stages of your child’s academic year. The words will be a combination of consonant-vowel-consonant. He will expand his vocabulary by learning word families. For example, after learning a word like ‘dad’, he will learn rhyming words like ‘bad’, ‘sad’, ‘mad’, ‘had’, ‘fad’, etc. This guide will help prepare your child to become a word-whiz.

List of Words That Are Great to Prepare Your Child for Spelling Games and Contests

There are a few words that you can help your child learn, which will help him prepare for games and contests. Here are a few words you can begin with.

Introduce these words slowly to your child and make sure to pace it to his comfort. Use this opportunity to bond with your child and do not add any pressure when he is learning.

How Can Parents Help Their Children Ace at Spelling

Teaching your children can be challenging, especially if you do not use the right techniques. Here is how to teach spelling to first graders in the most effective manner.

• Using flashcards with words on them is a good way to help your child recollect all that he has learnt. You can make it more fun for your child if you involve him in making the flashcards.

• Teach the words by first using them in sentences. Make interesting sentences so that your child will be able to recall words. You can also have the sentences relate to them. For example, ‘My favourite colour is RED’.

• Writing is one of the best ways to remember the spelling of a word. As your child’s hand moves over the letters repeatedly, the words will get deeper into his memory and will help him recall the spelling quicker.

• Make learning the spellings of words a part of his daily routine. As you go through your day, point out objects that your child has learnt and ask him to spell the same. Make this a game where you participate too.

• Learning spellings can be a great use of your child’s time with technology. There are many apps that will help your child learn spellings, and you can use these effectively. There are numerous YouTube videos that help teach new words in a fun and effective manner.

• Teaching your child how to spell is an important milestone in his education and development. However, there are certain things that you must keep in mind when teaching children.

• Do not put undue pressure on your child. As a first grader, your child becomes a part of the schooling system and might find the whole experience overwhelming. Adding the pressure of having to learn the spellings of every word perfectly might prove to be too much for him.

• Do not compare your child to others. Comparing children to others is one of the worst things you can do to their self-esteem and you must expect your child to progress only according to his capabilities.

• Ask your child if he likes to participate in games and contests. He should not feel like he is being forced into situations he does not enjoy, as he might lose his interest in learning.

• Choose words which are age specific and do not get carried away by introducing hard words to test his capabilities. If he struggles with complex words, stop and take a break. Then go back to the simple words. If your child gets frustrated, he will lose motivation.

• There is no one defined path to learning. Children use different ways to learn. This can range from aural to tactile, and you must experiment with different techniques to make the activity fun for him.

• Teaching your child to spell should be a fun and rewarding experience for both you and your child. Use this opportunity to bond with your child rather than making it about participating and winning contests. Sign him up for games only if he says that he is interested and respect his decision.

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