Learning how to spell is important. (I think we can all agree on that). Spelling practice can be really boring. (Again, I think we can all agree). Spelling can be fun though, we prove that every week around here! Little M is always excited to see what type of spelling activities I have up my sleeve, and I am always on the look out for new ways to make spelling fun.
Here are a few guidelines I use when planning a spelling activity, along with a list of great activities to get your kids enjoying spelling practice right way!
25 Spelling Activities that Make Spelling Fun!
Add movement. That’s pretty much my motto for everything. Since my kids are in constant bounce mode (are we the only ones?) I know that adding movement will always get their attention quickly. And adding movement to learning ensures that they will stay engaged longer. YAY!
- Spelling Hopscotch – Simply 2nd Resources
- ABC Slam – Toddler Approved
- Sight Word Treasure Hunt – Hands On: As We Grow
- Sight Word Soccer – Coffee Cups and Crayons
- Scoop and Spell – Imagination Tree
Make it a game. We are very serious game people. Which means there is almost always a game in play at our house. I love to throw in a spelling game once in a while. Extra Tip: Some of these games are really great for transition moments. If you have your little ones spelling list (or just think up a quick list) these games will be perfect when you’re waiting at a restaurant or killing time before school.
- Spelling Word Tic Tac Toe – A Mom with a Lesson Plan
- Spelling Hangman – Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas
- Spelling Battleship – Deceptively Educational
- Missing Letters Spelling Game – Imagination Soup
- Party Blower Spelling Game – Kids Activities Blog
Pair it with a holiday. Kids love to celebrate holidays with activities and art projects. Why not extend the fun with some playful learning as well? You’re already celebrating anyway!
- Valentine Word Activity – Buggy and Buddy
- Easter Spelling Words with Plastic Eggs – A Mom with a Lesson Plan
- Spiderweb Spelling – A Mom with a Lesson Plan
- Spelling Turkeys – A Mom with a Lesson Plan
- Sight Word Christmas Tree – J Daniel 4s Mom
Use items you already have. There is no need to go crazy creating fancy spelling word activities. These activities are fairly simple to prep and use items you have around the house.
- Sensory Spelling Cards – A Mom with a Lesson Plan
- Spaghetti Spelling Fun – A Mom with a Lesson Plan
- Tinker Toy Spelling Practice – A Mom with a Lesson Plan
- Simple Spelling Puzzles – No Time For Flash Cards
- Seek and Find Spelling – What Do We Do All Day
Get Creative. Have fun when deciding what type of spelling activities your kids will love. Try to incorporate some of their favorite toys or objects.
- Scrabble Spelling Practice – A Mom with a Lesson Plan
- Dot Sticker Spelling Scramble – School Time Snippets
- Spelling Garage – 123 Homeschool 4 Me
- Window Writing Spelling Words – Teach Mama
- Roll and Spell – Well Nurtured Plants and Pillars
Does your little one have a favorite spelling activity? Share how you make spelling fun in the comments.
This post originally appeared Feb 7, 2014.
Thanks for including us. 🙂
A lot of great ideas in this post. Our favorite way to learn spelling is to play spelling bees. Sadly, my daughter is a much better speller when she takes time to think about the word she spells and still makes sloppy spelling mistakes when she is writing to “get it over with”.
Those are all great ideas thanks for sharing. I like to use these paint filled bags to practice spelling: http://scribbledoodleanddraw.blogspot.ca/2012/12/squeezing-in-some-fun.html and I have more ideas here http://scribbledoodleanddraw.blogspot.ca/2014/02/spelling-success.html
Thanks so much for including us!! So many more great ideas to use with my son. Pinned!
Yay! I’m glad you like the list. Thanks for pinning!
Jillian (or Jill),
Great write up. I love the list. Especially the spelling hopscotch, spelling word tic-tac-toe (my daughters love playing this anyway), and spelling hangman. What really great ideas! Thank you for such a useful post, I really enjoyed reading it.
Great ideas here! I have a wonderful product that is fantastic for helping kids learn spelling!
20 ready to print word work/spelling worksheets! Can be used with ANY list of 15 words 🙂
Check it out!
Word Work Worksheets
So many awesome ideas! Can’t wait to try a few of these out!
These ideas sound so fun! We’re trying to give dd a head start before she starts school and some of the more physical activities sound like a good way to teach spelling to a younger child.