As a parent, you want your child to do well at school and become proficient in important skills such as reading, writing and spelling. Spelling is a skill necessary to help in the learning of language and many parents try to teach their children before they start school. Before you rush out and get a list of first grade spelling words to practice with, there are a few things to consider first.
Firstly, think about whether your child is ready to learn. Every child learns at his or her own pace, and it’s important not to force learning on them. Even using simple first grade spelling words can be too much for a youngster who’s not quite ready. They may become bored or frustrated, as might you, and each time you try to teach the child the feelings will get worse. One thing you don’t want to do is turn your child against learning.
Conversely, if your child learns rapidly, then there’s the danger he or she will know too many first grade spelling words when starting school – again, this will cause boredom and possibly disruptive behavior in the classroom.
Another thing to consider is that the child’s teacher may have markedly different ways of teaching first grade spelling words to the class. If you have taught your child by a different method it will be confusing for the child to have to learn how to spell a new way.
Teachers follow specific methods when teaching the children in their class. There will be sets of 1st grade spelling words that, for example, are commonly used in everyday life and in simple stories. This would include words such as cat, and, but, dog and went.
The teacher will introduce these simple words in a set pattern. Generally, the children will learn the spelling words by sight and sound first, most commonly with reading books. This is where a parent can help; reading stories together lets a child enjoy the words and begin to understand the connection between the written word and reading.
I’m not saying that you shouldn’t try to help your child learn before starting school. Of course you should encourage his or her learning. Make it fun – point out street signs or read aloud as your child watches over your shoulder. Sing an alphabet song with them. Don’t push too hard – your child will learn first grade spelling words soon enough at school. The English language is a complicated one, but a teacher, along with your help, will help your child learn and become confident in their reading, writing and spelling abilities.
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