Make a word list. Many children in schools bring home weekly spelling lists, but simply studying a spelling list each week and then taking a test on Fridays does not make a student a better speller. It doesn't assist in learning to read or write, either, but only using these words in context and manipulating them, as we will do can. Find about 10 age-appropriate, developmentally appropriate words. If your child does not have a spelling list, find a book your child can read on her own and choose your words from there.
Make puzzles. Write each word on tagboard or other firm, thick paper. Cut each word apart where the syllables divide the word. Check in a dictionary so that you are absolutely sure where to divide the words, as you don’t want to have to reteach something that you taught incorrectly in the first place! You are essentially making 10 puzzles. Cut them in zigzag shapes or curvy lines so that they are fun to put back together.
Write your words. Write each word on a dry erase board, on a piece of paper hung on the wall, on an easel or whatever you have on hand that will work for you.
Introduce your child to the word list to begin the lesson. Go over each word one by one and point to each word as you read it. Read each word aloud first, then ask your child to join in and read aloud with you. You may want to discuss each word, or use each word in a sentence. Show your student a sample word in the dictionary. Explain to them the symbols used for syllabication. Rewrite these yourself on your board or easel.
Clap, drum or make some other sound to the syllabication of the word the next time you read it. For instance, take the word “octopus.” You will clap your hands on the first "o" sound, the "t" sound and the "p" sound as you read. Do this the same way as Step 1: You first, then your child joins you. You will find that kids really love this. Kids adore learning through music, noise and movement!
Spread your word puzzles out on the floor or desk. Be sure that they are put together first. Have your child read each word, then ask him to separate the word and read each syllable as he points to each section of the word puzzle. Finally, ask him to put the word together.
Wrap up your lesson, and check comprehension, by asking your child to choose two words of her own. Make sure these are new words and ones that she can read and understand. Ask your student to check these words in the dictionary for the proper syllabication and to make a mini lesson for you. She will write these words on the easel, and will make her own puzzles out of them.