My son is really into spelling right now. He likes to ask me how to spell words. I think it's because spelling is a system that he can figure out. Learning how sounds make words is an important step in his literacy progression, so I encourage it as much as possible.
Finding ways to parent from the couch is a very important skill when you have a 4 year old and an infant with you 24/7! Plus, I'm always keen to find ways to encourage phonics learning without worksheets or rote practice. Spur of the moment, kid-led activities and learning built into our daily life are so much more effective.
Unlike with our I Spy spelling game, Kiddo came up with this idea all by himself. He gathered all his alphabets, including his sandpaper letters, puzzles, magnets and foam bathtub letters (he likes to spell numbers in the tub) and for about 45 minutes he spelled words.
Sometimes he asked me how to spell a word, other times I suggest a few letters that he could use to try and make a word. For example, if I said "g, d, o", he would figure out the letters could spell "dog".
Did you notice how he even got a Spanish word in there? I'm glad he's been paying attention to his mini Spanish lessons!
Eventually our entire floor was a veritable alphabet soup.
No problem: I was safe on the couch.
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Alycia in Va. says
That's pretty amazing. My DD 4.7 years old is an advanced reader but can't spell as well as she can read. He's doing GREAT. "Water" is a pretty difficult word given the "a" sound in the middle. I look forward to reading more about the types of activities you are doing.
Krissy of B-Inspired Mama says
Tuesdays are our Couch Homeschool days full of library books and snuggles. Maybe we should add spelling. 😉
Erica MomandKiddo says
It's very low-key -- perfect for hanging out on the couch!