Time: 80 minutes Objectives of this lesson

Back Tracing

Pair up with another student and write words on each other’s back with a finger. Have the partner guess what the word is.
By establishing a sense of touch, your child can make the connection between each letter and form memories of these words as they are spelling it out.

Letter Tiles

Spell the words using magnetic letters or letter tiles.
Have the letter tiles in alphabetical order on a desktop. Dictate a spelling word to your child. Have the child repeat the word and then bring down each letter in the word to build the word in front of them.
Letter tiles are really helpful in building lasting memories to help make those difficult words really “stick.” Once the letters line up to complete the word, there will be an “Aha!” moment for your child that is rewarding for the both of you! The visual representation of bringing letters together will help your child cognitively break down spelling that will overall strengthen their reading, writing, and comprehension. 


Sand or Shaving Cream Writing

This activity allows students to use sight, touch and sound to connect letters and their sounds. Students start with a handful of sand on a cookie sheet or a dollop of shaving cream on a table. Then they spread out the sand or shaving cream and use their finger to write a letter or word in it. As they write, students say the sound each letter makes. They then blend those sounds together and read the whole word aloud.


Air Writing

Air writing (also called skywriting) reinforces the sound each letter makes through “muscle memory.” It can also help reinforce letter forms that are commonly confused, like b and d. Students use two fingers as a pointer (keeping elbows and wrists straight) to write letters in the air. They say the sound each letter makes as they write it. They’re also encouraged to imagine the letter as they write it. Teachers may have students pretend they’re writing in a certain color, for instance.