Spelling Homework Ideas

Providing spelling homework ideas are important for a few reasons. The basics of your spelling program are covered in class if you are following the Monday though Thursday spelling lesson plans.

But there are three good reasons for providing ideas for work at home:

• Some kids need reinforcement at home, especially if spelling is a particular problem for them (for example, ELL kids).
• Some kids want to work extra at home to excel and they should be given the opportunity.
• Many parents want to help out with school in some way, and practicing spelling word lists with their children is an ideal method.

These ideas will get you started on effective spelling homework ideas.

Classroom newsletters

The words and the pattern or rule of the week are on the back of every weekly classroom newsletter I send home.

In addition to the spelling word lists, I provide interesting ways to practice at home. I also encourage daily involvement to build good homework habits.

Honestly, not all parents respond, but many do and it shows in the progress made by their children.

Here are some examples of fun homework tasks:

1. Have your child read the words to you and spell them out loud.

2.Have your child sing the words to you and sing/spell them.

3. Read the words to your child and have them:

• Make up a sentence using the word
• Write the words in nice handwriting
• Spell the word out loud as they write the letters in the air with their toes

4. Have your student write their spelling words in the dirt/sand/snow

5.Go to www.spellingcity.com and enter the spelling words. It includes games and practice activities.

Fun stuff! Simple approaches like this can really make a difference in retention for students who are having difficulty.

There are more spelling homework ideas on the spelling lessons resources page where I have two classroom newsletter examples.

Spelling Worksheets

Worksheets are a great addition to the at-home activities that can reinforce spelling word lists. Select them carefully to be certain that they are grade level appropriate and mirror the spelling patterns that you are teaching for the week.

Be intentional with your approach to worksheets; if you send them home, be sure to set expectations for their completion and collect them back. Even if they are not entered into the grade book, they need to be reviewed to ensure each student is not struggling with any of the words or practicing them incorrectly.

Give the students descriptive feedback to encourage their growth as a speller/writer.

Keep it fun

I often end the spelling homework ideas in my newsletter with this: "These are great ways to connect with with your child regarding school. Make it fun and the spelling will 'STICK'!"

Top of Page