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

Grammar and spellings are a huge part of the linguistic development of your child. It is also the foundation of most education curricula around the world. Schools and education systems begin word association and spelling exercises in kindergarten, and they continue the development of these skills at the way to university levels. This is exactly why, as a parent, you should emphasise on making your child a spelling wizard. To do this, there are numerous techniques you can apply; these include flash cards, memory games and spell-a-thon games like scrabble.

What Are the Basic Spellings Taught to a Child in Grade 3?

To begin incorporating spelling words your child’s daily life, it is essential that you do it progressively and not incorporate hard words right from the beginning. This can be done by first understanding that at this age, your child is being introduced to silent letters which he is still not very comfortable with it. So instead of using the word ‘island’ from the beginning, use words like ‘Israel’, and then gradually build your way up to ‘island’.

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

Here are some of the most commonly used 3rd-grade spelling words that you need to keep in mind when training your child to become a ‘spelling pro’. A fun way of helping him build this in a sub-conscious manner is by pasting cards all over the house.

To ensure that your child is not pressured into learning in a manner that is dangerous, it is essential that he is eased into learning these words by introducing the easier ones first and building it up to the tougher ones. Don’t panic if he does not get most of this right away. As long as he practices, he’ll become proficient.

How Can Parents Help Their Children Ace at Spelling

Third graders are introduced to words that are slightly complicated than the ones they have already been learning. As a parent, it is crucial to be patient with your child. He will not get the spellings in one day. Try practising using the following techniques on a regular basis. Repetition is the key to success.

• Flash cards are the easiest way to begin. Try printing pictures on one side and the spellings on the other side of the cards. This will help your child associate with the words on a visual level.
• Try using spelling cards wherever you can. Stick the spelling cards on objects so that he can learn at a sub-conscious level.
• Have him write the words in repetition two or three times. This will help him associate the words to physical movements. This will also help develop the mind’s understanding of the word.
• The use of mnemonic devices will help a great deal. Use them regularly to ensure that your child has a fun and interesting way to remember the spelling.
• Make it a game for him by introducing spelling games and quizzes. This will help him retain the information by making the entire ordeal of learning fun and less stressful.
• Incorporate spelling videos on your child’s screen time. There are numerous YouTube videos that are animated and help cognitive linguistic development that incorporates spelling.

Spelling is an important developmental milestone for your child. This will help you understand if your child is learning at the same pace as his peers. If not, spelling can be used to help identify if your child has any developmental disorders like dysgraphia.

When teaching your child how to spell at grade 3 level, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• It is most efficient that your child learns in a stress-free environment. Don’t pressure him to learn the spellings for long tiring hours.
• Kids learn best when they study for 2 hours per day in 3 sessions. Try scheduling their home study sessions into two 45-minute sessions and one 30-minute session. Make sure it is spread throughout the day.
• Never berate your child under any circumstance. Every child learns at his own pace. If your child isn’t there yet, be encouraging. Your words carry a lot of weight with your child.
• If he hits a roadblock, don’t power through. Take a break and come back to that spelling. Keep trying and keep his spirits up by encouraging him.
• Never compare your child to others. His pace at learning isn’t important. What is important is that he feels secure and relaxed while studying.
• Make studying fun! If he is enjoying himself, he will learn more.

There may be situations where your child might not spell accurately despite the methods you incorporate to teach him. It cannot be emphasised enough that patience in this situation is crucial for his psychological and educational development. Your child is at a crucial stage at the 3rd grade, and this is when linguistic aptitude begins to require careful nurturing. Talk to specialists and keep in touch with teachers to better understand what you can do to help your child learn spellings more effectively.

In extreme cases, your child may not be able to learn spellings or struggle to develop writing skills as a whole due to some learning disabilities. One such disability is dysgraphia. If you feel your child is frustrated to an unreasonable level with spellings or that he cannot write as easily as his peers, you can go to a child psychiatrist to test him for this learning disability. If positive, the doctors will give you the right steps to help your child manage the disability.

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