The Clara James Approach to learning

Supporting spellings

February 12, 2024 Dawn Strachan
Supporting spellings
The Clara James Approach to learning
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The Clara James Approach to learning
Supporting spellings
Feb 12, 2024
Dawn Strachan

Hello. Recently, I've discussed with parents the challenges of learning and retaining spelling skills. My advice is to make the process colourful, creative, and interactive to engage different parts of the brain.

One method is using multiple colours when writing words – a different colour for each letter and varying fonts can help create distinct visual cues. Drawing related images next to words further strengthens memory by adding context.

For active learning, painting with water on outdoor surfaces or using chalk can be effective since it involves larger movements. Using materials that are temporary like chalk or water means mistakes aren't permanent, which can alleviate pressure.

Interactive games also enhance learning: playing Hangman helps children think about letter order; scrambling magnetic letters for them to rearrange teaches word structure; creating coloured-in word searches practices pattern recognition; Battleship-style games with grids encourage strategic thinking while identifying spellings; and 'Lily Pads,' where jumping counters onto words reinforces quick recall.

The goal is fun engagement so kids want to participate. The more they practice in varied ways, the stronger their memories become – leading not just to short-term success but long-lasting spelling retention.

I hope these tips prove helpful! Have an amazing day or week ahead. Looking forward to our next conversation. Take care! Bye.

Show Notes

Hello. Recently, I've discussed with parents the challenges of learning and retaining spelling skills. My advice is to make the process colourful, creative, and interactive to engage different parts of the brain.

One method is using multiple colours when writing words – a different colour for each letter and varying fonts can help create distinct visual cues. Drawing related images next to words further strengthens memory by adding context.

For active learning, painting with water on outdoor surfaces or using chalk can be effective since it involves larger movements. Using materials that are temporary like chalk or water means mistakes aren't permanent, which can alleviate pressure.

Interactive games also enhance learning: playing Hangman helps children think about letter order; scrambling magnetic letters for them to rearrange teaches word structure; creating coloured-in word searches practices pattern recognition; Battleship-style games with grids encourage strategic thinking while identifying spellings; and 'Lily Pads,' where jumping counters onto words reinforces quick recall.

The goal is fun engagement so kids want to participate. The more they practice in varied ways, the stronger their memories become – leading not just to short-term success but long-lasting spelling retention.

I hope these tips prove helpful! Have an amazing day or week ahead. Looking forward to our next conversation. Take care! Bye.