Is copying words the best way to learn spelling?

A typical elementary grade spelling homework assignment goes like this:

• Monday night: Copy each word correctly five times.
• Tuesday night: Arrange the words in alphabetical order.
• Wednesday night: Write each word in a sentence.
• Thursday night: Take a practice spelling test.
• Friday day: Take a spelling test in school.

The theory behind these homework assignments is that the more children write words, the more likely they remember the word’s spelling.  But will they?

According to Marie Ripple*, author of a book on how to teach spelling, here are some things to consider if you hope this type of writing and rewriting of spelling words will help a child to learn to spell.

• Copying is a visual process. See the word, write the word the same way.  But with so many young children being primarily kinesthetic learners, copying is a method of learning which does not tap into many children’s natural way of learning.
• Copying is a memory process. Research has shown that in learning to read, memorizing words is a far less effective method than using phonics.  Reading and spelling are closely related.  So using phonics to show how letter sounds are combined to make certain sounds is a better way for most kids to learn spelling.
• Copying can be an “automatic pilot” situation for children. They write words over and over while thinking about something else.  When they are done, they have retained little.

Instead of copying, Ripple recommends a variety of approaches to teaching kids spelling.

• Combine visual, auditory and kinesthetic processes when you teach spelling. Don’t rely on one sensory process.
• Use the Orton-Gillingham approach, used to treat dyslexia.  It explains why words are spelled the way they are and how certain letter pairings lead to certain sounds.
• Teach a child based on what he or she already knows, ignoring what grade the child is in.
• Teach the logic of English spelling. According to Ripple, 97% of English words follow predictable spelling patterns which can be learned.
• Customize teaching spelling to a particular child based on that child’s preferred learning style and speed. Some kids need little review; some need constant review.

*For more information of Ripple’s book, go to http://info.allaboutlearningpress.com/6-ways-spelling-easy-thank-you?submissionGuid=18c9c079-27d3-4d1e-8965-917681da5d93