Some words are hard to spell because they don’t follow normal spelling rules. These words are often called tricky words. Instead of sounding them out, students need to remember their spelling.
Fortunately, there are several simple tricks that help students remember these challenging words.
Break the word Into parts
Long words become easier when students divide them into smaller chunks.
Example:
because → be + cause
A common memory trick is:
Big Elephants Can Always Understand Small Elephants
Each letter helps students remember the spelling of because.
Use silly sentences
Funny sentences can help students remember difficult spellings.
Example:
said
Memory trick:
Sally Always Is Dancing
These creative sentences make the spelling easier to recall.
Look for smaller words inside
Many tricky words contain smaller familiar words.
Examples:
together → to + get + her
inside → in + side
sunflower → sun + flower
Spotting smaller words helps students visualize the spelling.
Highlight the tricky part
Sometimes only one part of a word is difficult. Teachers can draw attention to the tricky letters.
Examples:
friend → friend
people → people
does → does
Students may underline or color the tricky part to help them remember it.
Use rhythm or chanting
Repeating letters in a rhythm can make spelling stick.
Example:
b-e-c-a-u-s-e, because!
Saying the letters out loud while clapping or tapping helps students remember the sequence.
Write the word many times
Writing words helps build muscle memory.
Students can practice using:
rainbow writing
writing words in sand
spelling with magnetic letters
tracing the word with their finger
The more students interact with the word, the easier it becomes to remember.
Use word walls
A word wall displays frequently used words in the classroom. Seeing these words every day helps students remember how they are spelled.
Students can look at the wall when they are writing.
Tricky words may not follow spelling rules, but students can still learn them with helpful strategies. By breaking words into parts, using memory tricks, and practicing regularly, students can become more confident spellers.
