What I Taught My Kids From Old School Is Valuable Today: Spelling Tips and Tricks

When I reflect on my education, one of the most valuable skills I learned is the art of spelling. While my school days were filled with the challenges of mastering this craft, I never realized how much I had lost when it came to passing this knowledge on to my own children.

Spelling in Old School

Back in the day, students spent a significant amount of time learning spelling rules and patterns. We would write words countless times, often reciting them in rhythmic patterns. The goal was not just to memorize a word but to understand its structure and how it sounds, which greatly improved our overall ability to spell.

The Struggle Continues

Even now, years after my formal education, I still face an ongoing challenge with spelling correctly. The constant stream of digital communication and the prevalence of spell check have made it easier to overlook the importance of knowing how to spell words accurately. However, there is still value in being able to sound out words and have a sense of their structure, especially when technology fails.

Reintroducing Spelling to My Kids

As a parent, I realized that my children were missing out on the same foundational skills that I had acquired. I began to reintroduce old school spelling techniques and strategies. My child (now a parent herself) has become a valuable resource in a few instances where I've struggled. Her ability to help with spelling and pronunciation has been priceless, as I often turn to her for assistance, much like when I turned to my parents growing up.

Benefits of Old School Spelling

One of the most significant benefits of the old school approach to spelling is that it helps build a strong foundation. By understanding how words are constructed and making sound out their components, children can develop a deeper sense of word structure. This can be particularly useful in more complex words where simply relying on spell check might not be enough.

Furthermore, teaching children the core principles of spelling can enhance their reading and writing skills. When they understand how words are formed, they can better predict and correct spelling mistakes, leading to more confident and precise communication.

Practical Spelling Tips and Tricks

Here are a few practical spelling tips and tricks that are still relevant today:

Patterns and Rules: Encourage your children to recognize common patterns and apply spelling rules. For example, understanding that adding the suffix "-ly" typically changes the letter 'y' to 'i' (e.g., happy -> happily) can greatly improve spelling accuracy. Visualization: Encourage the visualization technique by imagining the letters in a word or repeating them aloud to reinforce memory. Word Games: Engage in word games and quizzes to make spell learning more fun and interactive. Apps and online resources can provide engaging and educational tools. Reading Regularly: Regular reading can help children develop an intuitive understanding of how words are spelled and pronounced, leading to better spelling skills over time.

Finding Balance

While spell check is a valuable tool, it should not completely replace the importance of knowing how to spell. Encouraging a balanced approach that includes both modern technology and traditional methods will help ensure that your children not only know how to spell but also understand the fundamental principles that underpin correct spelling.

Remember, the ability to spell correctly is a valuable skill. By reintroducing old school spelling techniques and making them fun and engaging, you can help your children develop a strong foundation in spelling that will serve them well in both school and life.

In conclusion, while we live in a fast-paced world where spell check is readily available, the lessons we learned in old school still hold significant value. By embracing these techniques, we can equip our children with a strong foundation in spelling that will serve them well in the digital age.