Not all kids have that inborn facility in spelling. Many, even those without diagnosed reading disabilities, struggle with spelling words – especially those that are not spelled phonetically, for which the English language is notorious. If you feel that your child should need help in spelling, there's no need to fret.
The study of words, spelling included, is one of the aspects of literacy instruction that has benefited a lot from the introduction of computer technologies used at home and in school. These new technologies "offer their users a lot of options, which, if used wisely, have the potential to enhance instruction and foster learning" (Kara-Soteriou, 2008).
Parents and teachers now have access to a considerable number of websites that give learners a plethora of activities, resources, and information for word study, learning, and instruction.
In addition to websites, many software titles are now made more affordable and user-friendly, and any child who would need help in spelling must be given the chance to avail of one.
It's not easy, though, to choose the right software for your child's spelling improvement.
There are some that tout bargain-basement prices but become useless after a while due to the limited number of words and features they include. Eventually, the student becomes bored with the drills and soon masters most of the words that are included in the program.
One of the more important features you should look for in spelling software is its customizability.
According to Hauerwas & Walker (2004), effective instruction starts with the assessment of children's strengths and weaknesses. The Ultimate Spelling software is a program that groups word lists into grades and levels and allows the child who would need help in spelling to create her own list of challenging words, which she can devote more time to.
When a child is in the second grade, for instance, but the parent feels that her spelling level is at the first-grade level, she can start with that level and progress at her own pace. There are no classmates to tease her about her lagging behind or gut-wrenching oral spelling tests that only make kids anxious and resistant to learning.
The Ultimate Spelling software is downloadable to any computer and your child can work on her own, in the comfort of your own home.
References:
Hauerwas, L B & Walker, J 2004, 'What can children's spelling of running and jumped tell us about their need for spelling instruction?' The Reading Teacher, vol. 58, no. 2.
Kara-Soteriou, J 2008, 'The role of technology in supporting the learning and teaching of word study skills', New England Reading Association Journal, vol. 44, no. 1.