Durango Montessori School Upper Elementary
Ideas for Studying Spelling/Vocabulary at Home
Practice spelling by writing the words in cursive or writing them 5 times each.
Spell the words out loud.
Read each word into a tape recorder. Then, play it back and write the words down. Then, check your spelling.
Write out your words using “stair-step” or “rainbow” spelling. Example:
Write the words on the sidewalk in chalk.
Draw the outline of a shape (perhaps one that is related to the word). Then, fill it up by writing the spelling word over and over again.
Create pictures with your spelling words like this one: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/491244271830210786/
Use each word in a full sentence.
Explain to a friend, perhaps an adult, what each word means.
Draw a picture that shows the meaning of the word.
Write a story using as many of the words as possible.
Look the word up in a dictionary. Find the definition that most closely matches the one on your list.
Re-write the definitions in your own words.
Think of 1 or 2 synonyms for each word, or look your words up in a thesaurus.
Create a 4-part matching game. Cut out each word, the part of speech, its definition, and its sentence (or re-write each of them on slips of paper). Mix up all your pieces of paper, and then match them together again. Make sure to check your answers afterwards.
Use notecards: On one side, write the word. On the other side, write the definition for the word or write a sentence that uses the word (except don’t write the word, write a _______ instead so you don’t give it away!). Then, read the definition on one side, guess the word, spell it out loud, and flip the card over to see if you’re correct.
By yourself or with a friend, create a skit during which you use the word correctly.