Helping kids practice their spelling words in elementary school can be fun and creative, especially when you step outside the traditional pencil and piece of paper routine.
Whether your child is just starting with a simple spelling list or tackling more advanced new words, here are some creative ways to make spelling practice exciting. These great ideas blend fun with learning and are easy to do at home!
These can be done in small groups like a co-op group or can be done alone at home with the kids. Ditch the strict spelling rules and go for hands-on spelling activities instead.
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1. Letter Blocks on the Floor
One of the simplest and most interactive ways to practice spelling is by using letter blocks. Have your child arrange the letter pieces on the floor to spell out their words. It’s fun that each letter may be a different color for a pretty rainbow look.
- Set of magnetic wooden letters for early learning fun
- 52 magnetic letters
This hands on approach helps kids visualize the words as they build them, making it a perfect mix of play and learning.
This is a great way to help them stretch out on the floor and get out of the desk setting, too.
2. Use Free Spelling Worksheets
I especially love the Sailboats Spelling Worksheet that is available free over on The Literacy Garden. I’m leaving a link to their free worksheets to help with spelling words here, but you can also Google free spelling worksheets and find tons of great options!
3. Use Sidewalk Chalk in the Driveway
Take spelling practice outside for a simple way that is much fun! Give your kids some sidewalk chalk and let them write their words on the driveway or sidewalk. Call out words and have them write the words on your sidewalk in chalk.
The larger scale of writing encourages muscle memory, and the outdoor element adds a sense of fun.
You can also turn it into a game by calling out the list of words and timing how fast they can spell them.
4. Magnetic Letters on the Dishwasher or Fridge
Magnetic letters are a classic tool for teaching spelling. Stick them on the fridge or dishwasher and let your child form their words.
- Complete Components: Fantastic combination of Coogam 78 PCS Magnetic Letters & Numbers, includes 26 uppercase letters, 26 lowercase letters, 20 numbers and 6 math symbols. Fridge magnets set come in five different colors ( all letters and numbers sizes are about 1.3in -1.4in), totally a visual feast for kids.
Call out their spelling words and have them arrange each letter of the word on the fridge. Bonus if you can leave the word up on the fridge afterwards so as they walk by the fridge each time they can catch a glimpse for reinforcement of the correct spelling.
The vertical positioning engages different muscles and makes this a unique alternative to writing on paper.
5. Spelling Word Puzzles
Create puzzle pieces out of paper or cardboard that match the spelling word to a picture of that word. This just provides more exposure to the word and is a fun activity for younger students.
For example, one piece could show a picture of a cat, and the other pieces would spell “C-A-T.”
This visual approach helps kids connect the letters to the meaning of the word, reinforcing learning through association.
- PUT IT TOGETHER TO BUILD WORD POWER – Introduce and reinforce common vocabulary with short-vowel sounds in 20 three- and four-letter words. Photo cues match written words, and unique puzzle shapes encourage trial and error learning which leads to mastery. Supports learning standards from early-childhood professional organizations as well as national and state guidelines.
6. Play-Doh Spelling
Let your child form letters using play dough and arrange them to spell their words. If you’re looking for really fun ways to teach younger kids spelling words, this is a great option to tackle that word list!
This sensory activity makes learning more interactive and can be especially engaging for tactile learners.
7. Shaving Cream Writing
Squirt shaving cream on a cookie sheet or flat surface and let your child write their spelling words in the cream with their finger.
This messy but fun activity adds an element of play and helps kids remember their words through physical involvement.
8. Scrabble Tiles
Use Scrabble tiles to spell out letters of each word. It’s like a miniature game board where your child can place their tiles to spell their words. If you have a scrabble game set, you can do this option!
- Scrabble Letters: The letter tiles are made of high grade wood, grain smooth, clear printed letters values, making it easier to read and hard to wear off, Tiles size is 18×20 mm/ thickness is 4 mm.
- Spelling Games for Kids: The wooden letters can be used for early childhood education and increase the intimate relationship between parents and children. A Game for kids understanding of adding and subtracting.
It’s fun picking out the individual letters to achieve the complete spelling word!
9. Typing Practice
For the older children, set up a simple Google docs page where your child types their new spelling words. Call out words and have them type them in a list as “pretend spelling tests’. At the end, check their work for accuracy.
This gives them a chance to work on spelling and typing at the same time, building both spelling confidence and tech skills.
10. Sensory Spelling Bin
Ready for another spelling idea? Create a sensory bin filled with rice, sand, or beans and hide small letter tiles or magnetic letters inside.
Have your child dig through the bin to find the letters of their spelling words and arrange them in the correct order.
11. Word Search Creations
Instead of just solving word searches, let your child create their own! You can use an online word search generator and have them input their spelling words to make a custom puzzle.
Once they’ve made it, they can solve it themselves or challenge a family member to help them. You can also try a crossword puzzle for extra practice, too.
Conclusion
Spelling practice doesn’t have to be boring or repetitive! Skip the boring index cards and choose one of these different ways or fun games instead.
With these fun spelling practice ideas, your child will look forward to practicing their spelling words each day. From hands-on activities like Play-Doh spelling to games like word search creation, these methods make learning fun while reinforcing those important spelling skills. Give these ideas a try and watch your child’s spelling abilities grow!
