Let’s be honest. Many common types of spelling practice can be a little boring. Of course, there is a time and a place for read-cover-write-check, but sometimes it’s fun to shake things up! Here’s a way to add creativity and color to the spelling practice routine: Doodle spelling!
This multisensory activity is a great way to practice any particularly hard words that just won’t stick. It really appeals to visual learners who enjoy learning with color, texture and shapes.
Here’s what you’ll need:
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Directions:
Identify a few words that you frequently misspell.
Write the words in large letters. You can put them all on one large sheet of paper, or make smaller individual cards. Writing should be at least 2 inches tall so you have plenty of room for the next step…
Trace words with white glue and let the glue dry. Depending on the thickness of the glue and the humidity where you live, it might take several hours. This part of the process is optional, but it makes the letters stand out a bit, and it adds a different texture, so kids can interact with the letters using their sense of touch.
Once the glue is dry, trace the letters with your finger. They should feel a little puffy and smooth compared to the slightly rough texture of watercolor paper.
Now it’s time to doodle. Notice the shape of each word as you doodle. You can underline vowels and/or outline the shape of the word. You can make random doodles or other doodles to remind you how the word is spelled. Doodle all around the shape and fill the page.
Add color! Watercolors work well, but crayons are also great!
Hang your spelling poster someplace you can see it often. Practice your words frequently by tracing each letter with your finger, then close your eyes and picture the shape of the word.
Variations:
- Write words that all share the same rule or letter chunks, and make your doodles relate to the rule or chunk. For example, draw lots of circles to make oooo’s on a page with words that have the long u sound.
- Color all words that share common spelling patterns the same color.
- Leave the words unpainted, except for the trickiest or hardest-to-remember part of the word. Highlight the hard parts using a bright color to make them stand out.
Not ready for spelling words yet? You can use a similar multisensory approach with the littlest learners. Check out my guest post on Multisensory Doodle Letters over at Nurture Store. It’s part of a really fun and creative ABC’s and 123’s series!
If you’re looking for more ways to integrate creativity and literacy, you might like these Think, Doodle and Write Kits. They’re a perfect addition to home or school writing centers. Each kit is focused on a simple idea to inspire creativity, critical thinking and curiosity through reading, writing, speaking and listening activities. You can grab the Thank You Kit for free when you join my email list! (You’ll also get access to my growing library of subscriber-only printables.)
