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Spelling
Spelling is the act of using letters to form words. Spelling is a skill that is essential to being successful both academically and professionally. Children need to learn how to spell because it is essential to learning how to read and write. Adults need to know how to spell because they will be asked to put together resumes, write memos and reports at work and more. Spelling mistakes make the author look careless, and as a result, they can lose credibility. But, with the increased use of computers many people increasingly rely on spell check instead of their own brain to catch spelling mistakes. However, it’s important to remember that spell check won’t catch every mistake. For example, spell check doesn’t know the difference between “here” and “hear.” That is why it’s important for everyone to learn how to spell and be able to recognize spelling mistakes without the help of automated programs like spell check.
Learning to Spell
Young children typically learn how to spell around the same time they begin learning to read—usually in kindergarten or first grade. There are a variety of different techniques that can be used to help children learn how to spell. However, two of the most common are memorization and phonics. Many elementary school students are assigned “sight” words they are expected to memorize. Sight words tend to be those that school age children use frequently to read and write. In addition to learning sight words, students are frequently taught the basic principles of phonics, where they learn the different sounds made by each letter in the alphabet. Students can then apply these principles to “sound out” unfamiliar words.
Ways to Improve Spelling
Spelling mistakes don’t just plague school children. People of all ages struggle to spell properly. Below is a list of techniques that can help you improve your spelling skills. Regardless of your age, you’re sure to find one or more that works for you.
- Flashcards. These are especially helpful for students who need to study for a spelling test. Write only one word on each of the flashcards and use them to help you learn how to spell the words that will be on the test.
- Software. There are a variety of computer software programs available to help individuals of all ages improve their spelling skills.
- Spelling Lists. Every time you come across a word you don’t know how to spell, write it down. Study your list of words. As you become familiar with the spelling of a word, remove it from your list and focus on those you are unfamiliar with.
- Read. When you read, you are exposed to many words over and over again. As you read, you learn the correct way to spell a variety of different words.
- Word games. Completing word games like crossword puzzles, hangman, word searches, word scrambles and many others is a great way to learn how to properly spell a variety of words.
- Spelling Tutor. If you need results fast, and you’re looking for a personalized approach to improving your spelling skills, a private tutor can develop a customized learning plan to meet your unique needs.