Practice each month's spelling words with a game of spelling bingo. Give each student a blank sheet of paper and ask them to make a grid of 16 squares: four rows down and four across. Students then copy one spelling word into each square. Allow students to pick which words will go on their cards so every card is different. Not all words will be used on one card. Call out the spelling words and have students use pennies, plastic markers or blocks to mark the squares that contain these words. The first student to get a full row of words yells, "Bingo," then stands and spells each word before getting a prize. This game moves fast, so play several rounds to give more students a chance to win prizes.
Encourage team skills while challenging primary students to spell words in the weekly word list. Before playing, make several sets of 3-by-3-inch alphabet cards so that every student has at least one of each letter in a set. Divide the students into groups, then call out a spelling word. The teams work together to be the first to spell the words using their cards. Students raise their hands when done, and you award each team a place -- first, second or third. The catch to this spelling game is that each student is in charge of his own cards and cannot touch another player's cards. This keeps everyone involved by making students pay attention to which letter is needed.
Sparkle is a spelling game that is similar to a classic spelling bee. The difference is that it moves very fast, so that all students can participate. Have the students stand at the front of the room, then you call out a word. The first student in line says only the first letter of the word. The second says the second letter, and the third says the third letter and so on until the word has been spelled. After the last letter has been given, the next student must say, "Sparkle," if it was spelled correctly, and the player next to him must sit down. Continue with a new word. Students who make a mistake or forget to say the letter on their turn must also sit down. The last student remaining at the front wins, and you can begin again.
Take spelling review outdoors on warmer days and make a spelling game using tic-tac-toe. Create a large grid on pavement using chalk and divide the students into two teams. Assign one team as X and the other as O. The teams line up and you give the first student a word to spell. If it is spelled correctly, then the student marks a square on the grid. If it is incorrect, the first player on the other team gets a chance to spell the word. Play continues until one team marks three squares in a row. This game can move fast, allowing students to play several rounds and review many words.