Fun with Spelling

Last year was the first year Minnie (me) had spelling words that she needed to learn and spell. Thinking back now, I was pretty basic with the spelling lessons.  Here's your list, copy the words a couple of times, use them in a sentence, and today's test day!  She did great, but this year since her and Super Boy are both doing spelling, I wanted to make it more than just coping words each day.

So, the last couple of spelling lessons, I have been using our letter tiles Letter Tiles and making spelling into a game.  The kids love playing it, but coming from a competitive family, they tend to turn it more into a winner takes all thing. Of course, I had to stop that because it was getting pretty ugly!

I take their spelling lists for the week and pour the letter tiles on their desk. I give them each a word to spell and they have to spell it correctly and as quickly as they can. They do give themselves points for correct spelling, but I make sure they don't brag about their points at the end of the game.  It's not really fair anyway since Super Boy has 10 words and Minnie (me) has 20!

We play this game a couple times a week and it's really helped them learn those spelling words in a fun way. Plus it's also a nice little break from doing seat work and teaching a lesson.  What I really like LOVE about this game is that they are helping each other. Super Boy would be trying his hardest to find a letter in the pile and would say "Where is the .....(letter)"   Minnie (me) will help him by showing him where that letter is.  It works the other way around too!  Teamwork!  Something this mommy loves to see!!!!

 

 On a side note, I found that another plus at homeschooling is you never know who's going to be in class.  The other day I had this cutie in class and it was a pleasure!  (If Batman asks, Robin was fine!)