For all the following spelling activities, students should have a posted list of their words to reference. Students can complete the activities independently, with a partner, or in a small group. The key is that students are given multiple opportunities to read and write words.
All students love technology, and this is a great way for them to practice their spelling and computer skills. You will need an old keyboard for this activity. Schools, businesses and garage sales are all great places to look for a cheap or free keyboard. Have students type out their spelling words. After they type out each word, they should write it on a piece of paper in order to record their work. As an extension, students can use a real computer and keyboard to see a visual on the screen of their words. This activity is great for students who are interested in technology or learn better by carrying out physical activities.
Students love to act and play. Playing charades is a great way for students to practice their spelling words. Before the game, students should discuss the words and their meanings. This game is played with two or more players. All the spelling words are written on slips of paper and put in a jar. All students need a whiteboard and a dry-erase marker. Students take turns being the “actor,” and their job is to act out the word and have the other students guess. For example, a student may act out the word “glide” by motioning like a plane gliding through the air. When students want to make a guess, they write the word on a whiteboard and hold it up. The actor checks the guess for the right word and correct spelling. The person who guesses correctly gets to be the next “actor” and choose a spelling word from the jar. Students often retain knowledge better when it is associated with an action, making charades a great way to solidify spelling knowledge.
Writing a narrative story using spelling words is another way to practice spelling that is enjoyable for intrapersonal and verbal learners. After learning the spelling and definitions, students must think of a story in which they could write sentence using some of their spelling words. Students can write a fairy tale, a how-to paper, a letter or any other form of writing they can think of. To get ideas and brainstorm, they may want to draw a four-sequence picture of what is going to happen in their story to brainstorm. It could also be helpful for students to come up with some sentences using their spelling words and see how they could fit into a story. They key to this activity is to let students use a real-world application of their spelling words with a product they can be proud of.