Spring-Cleaning for Spellers

Creative Ways to Review Words

Spring-cleaning isn’t just about dusting off shelves and clearing clutter. This season is the perfect opportunity for little learners to brush up on their spelling with activities that keep reviewing words fun. From playful, hands-on games to challenges like spelling bingo or word scavenger hunts, using a creative approach can help improve your child’s spelling while spending quality time together.

Sensory Spelling

Many children learn best when they can experience something using their sense of touch. You can easily incorporate this into spelling activities. Spread a thin layer of shaving cream on a table or piece of paper and have your child write out the words they need to spell with their finger. Alternatively, you could have them use Play-Doh or clay to form letters and put them in the correct order. Using chalk to spell words outside or building words with letter blocks are other great ways to use their sense of touch to review.

Grammar Games

Spelling doesn’t have to be boring or feel like a chore. Have your whole family compete in a friendly spelling word relay. You can make two teams and place a bucket of alphabet letter cards on one end of the room. One person will call out a spelling word, and each team will send a player to grab the first letter. The next person will grab the following letter until one team has spelled the word correctly together. You could also try creating a word scavenger hunt by hiding words or letters around the house.

Artistic Adjectives

Bring out their artistic side with spelling activities that use drawing and different colors to make words stick. This could be as simple as spelling a word, then having your child draw it. Even just using colored pencils, glitter glue, or paint instead of a regular writing utensil can make spelling more engaging. Have them make bracelets or necklaces with letter beads that spell out words, or ask them to write each letter of a word in a different color to create a rainbow effect.

When spelling practice feels creative and playful, children are more likely to stay engaged, build confidence, and remember what they learn.

— The Reading Ranch