Empathize with the student. Recognize that he is a newcomer to the United States, and most likely feels overwhelmed and nervous. If he doesn't catch on as quickly as the other students, do not lose patience with him.
Read to the student in class. Read books more than once to help him grasp the language and learn the sounds of certain words. Encourage him to read on his own by showing him around the school library.
Listen to how the student pronounces words before you ask him to spell them. If you notice he doesn't pronounce certain words properly, correct him. Also ask the student if he knows the meaning of the words you want him to spell.
Help the student remember certain words through visual memory. After you write a word on a piece of paper, instruct him to look at the word for as long as he needs. Tell him to fold the piece of paper, and write the word from his memory.
Fill the classroom with posters, pictures and charts with captions underneath. Ensure each caption fits the picture or poster it represents. For example, if you hang up a picture of a cat on a tree, the caption can say, "A cat climbing a tree."
Keep track of his progress throughout the year. Put his work in a portfolio, so you can show him his progress. If you give him written proof of how he has improved his spelling, he may develop more confidence in himself.