Homeschooling is becoming increasingly popular as parents seek more comprehensive or personalized educational options for their children. Gifted learners, those who excel at spelling, and those for whom traditional education may not be a good fit, can all benefit from homeschooling.
However, the decision of what educational materials to use for a homeschooled child who is a good speller can be difficult to make. In this article, we will explore 15 essential questions to consider when ascertaining the best tools and materials for a homeschooled good speller.
1. What age is the child?
The best educational curriculum for a good speller will depend largely on the age of the child. Young children may be able to benefit from educational activities such as games and exploring words through play, while older children may need more structured activities. Additionally, different age groups will require different levels of difficulty in the material they work with.
It is important to choose materials that are appropriate for the child’s age, as this will limit frustrations and help the child to feel successful.
2. Does the child enjoy spelling?
Engaging in spelling activities with a child who is motivated by the task is much easier than with a child who is less enthused. It can be beneficial to consider what types of activities the child enjoys and to this determine how to use those interests to make spelling more enjoyable and engaging. For example, a child who loves science may be interested in doing spelling bees based on scientific terms, which may make the task more interesting.
3. Is the child a visual learner?
Many children who are good spellers are visual learners. Children who learn best through visual cues may become quickly frustrated when trying to learn new words through auditory methods alone.
For example, if a child is able to easily recognize words when they see them but struggle to spell them when spoken to, it may be helpful to use both visual and auditory methods of teaching. For visual learners, tools such as flashcards, word searches, picture matching, and writing out words can be beneficial. Additionally, using a white board or chalk board to have the child draw out or write words can be helpful for a visual learner, as this allows the child to see their work.
4. Is the child an auditory learner?
On the other hand, an auditory learner will benefit from more auditory methods of teaching. Such methods may include hearing a word and having the child write it down, spelling out a word letter-by-letter and having the child repeat it back, or singing a song or poem with the words in it.
Auditory learners may also benefit from repeating words, saying them out loud, or hearing a parent or teacher recite them multiple times.
5. Does the child already know the basics of spelling?
If the child already knows the basics of spelling, it is important to seek more advanced materials. A good speller who is not challenged with his or her current level of work may become bored or drift away from the learning process.
Seeking out materials which contain more difficult words and allow the child to push their limits can help the child remain a good speller and stay interested in spelling activities.
6. Does the child have any difficulties with particular types of words?
Some good spellers may still struggle with a particular type of word, such as homophones or words with silent letters. Knowing the types of words which the child is struggling with can help the parent or teacher to find the resources or materials which are best suited to helping the child strengthen their knowledge on those particular topics.
For example, if the child is having difficulty with understanding homophones, a series of flashcards that differentiate between the two words might be beneficial. Additionally, reading out loud can also help the child to understand the correct usage of homophones.
7. Does the child understand the root words?
Understanding root words and prefixes can help a good speller to quickly remember how to spell a new word. Understanding common root words and how they appear in various other words can help a child to learn new words and strengthen their spelling skills. For example, a child who knows that “port” means “to carry” might be able to remember the word “import” easier than if they did not know the root word.
Keyword and root word flashcards can be used as tools to help the child remember the meanings of these words, as well as create an understanding of how easily multiple words can relate to one another.
8. Does the child need to understand word context?
Understanding how to use a word in its proper context is just as important as knowing how to spell it. For example, a child may know how to spell “their” but may not know that it is used when referring to a group of people rather than a single individual.
Word puzzles and games can help the child to practice better understanding how words should be used in a sentence.
9. Does the child need to learn basic grammar?
Grammar is an essential part of learning how to spell correctly. Knowing the different parts of speech and how they interact with each other is key to correct spelling.
For example, if a word has a prefix and the prefix is used to change the word’s tense, the child must know when to add or remove the prefix. Grammar games or books about grammar can help to introduce the child to these concepts in an engaging and fun way.
10. Does the child need to practice writing?
Writing is a large part of learning how to spell correctly and of communicating effectively. Especially for a good speller, writing is an opportunity to practice communication, creativity and problem solving while at the same time reinforcing correct spelling.
Encouraging the child to write stories or even just practice writing words on paper can help them to increase their skill. Additionally, encouraging the child to read what they have written out loud can help them to recognize any errors or mistakes in the spelling of a word.
11. Does the child have access to the internet?
In the modern era, access to the internet can open up a world of possibilities for a good speller. There are countless resources available online to help reinforce spelling skills and increase learning opportunities. A child can find complex word lists, games, and even interactive courses which can help them to excel.
Additionally, internet access can provide the child with the opportunity to share their work and be part of a larger community of users.
12. Does the child need dictation practice?
Learning how to spell correctly can sometimes mean learning how to use proper dictation. For example, a child may know how to spell a word but be unsure of the rules of proper speech, such as when to use contractions or when to use full words. Tools such as an online voice recorder can help the child to practice proper dictation and how to apply rules of speech to a sentence.
Additionally, phonics games and other tools that focus on sounds of language can also help the child to develop proper dictation skills.
13. Are there any quizzes or tests available to measure the child’s progress?
Quizzes and tests can be a helpful way to measure the child’s progress as a speller. Quizzing the child on words or phrases which have been introduced during study time can help the child to recognize that they have increased their skills and success in spelling. Quizzes and tests can also bring about a sense of accomplishment and may keep the child motivated to continue learning and growing.
14. Are there any forums or online chat rooms which can provide extra help?
Online forums and chat rooms can be a great way to get the child extra help if they are stuck on a particular word or if they need more guidance. During homeschooling, the child may not have access to a teacher or other students to help them. Online forums and chat rooms enable the child to converse with others who may have a similar issue or need help in other ways.
Being able to connect with others who have similar goals and interests can help the child to stay motivated and engaged.
15. Are there any other resources or tools which the child can use to help with spelling?
There are numerous additional tools which the child can use to help with their spelling. For example, computers with word-processing programs can help them to learn how to use spell-check to find any spelling errors and can be a useful tool for editing their work. Additionally, programs such as “Word Games” can be useful for reinforcing spelling skills.
Tools such as these can help the child to feel feel empowered rather than frustrated when trying to spell correctly.
Conclusion
Educating a good speller in the homeschooling environment can be a rewarding experience for both the parent and the child. With the right tools and the right attitude, the child can become an even better speller and gain confidence in their abilities. The right choice of educational materials is an important factor in helping the child reach their full potential, and the 15 questions covered in this article should provide parents and teachers with the necessary guidance they need to determine the best materials for their homeschooled good speller.