Encouraging Writing While Supporting Spelling
In many kindergarten classrooms, children are encouraged to use inventive spelling—getting their ideas on paper even if the spelling isn’t correct. Encouraging writing is important, but as educators, parents, and tutors, it’s also crucial to correct spelling errors early. Without guidance, mistakes can become habits.
Think of it like math: if a child writes 4 + 4 = 9, we correct them and show the correct answer. The same principle applies to spelling.
Here’s how to correct spelling while keeping your child confident and motivated to write:
- Let them get their ideas out first. Use a dry erase board or paper so children can freely write down all their thoughts.
- Correct one spelling at a time. For example:
- If your child writes “stif” instead of “stiff”, show them the two-letter spelling for /f/, have them erase, and rewrite the word correctly.
- If they write “wuz” instead of “was”, guide them: “a is your /u/ spelling; Say the /u/ sound as you correct it.
- Say each sound aloud as they write. This reinforces the connection between letters and sounds, helping children spell more accurately over time.
- End with the correct spelling. Children want to learn, so always let the last thing they see be the correct version.
By following this approach, children can express their ideas freely while gradually learning correct spelling, building both confidence and skill.