Whether you want to improve your spelling skills to advance in your career or to win an upcoming spelling bee, maintaining focus is essential. You can increase your spelling accuracy and confidence with consistent practice. Devoting extra time to spelling can enhance your word appreciation and even increase your word power.
Instructions
1. Eliminate barriers to spelling success. Identify problems to avoid negativity and increas motivation. Break negative study habits such as rushing through word lists and failing to copy words correctly. Make a firm commitment to becoming a better speller despite past troubles or even current learning disabilities.
2. Slow down when learning to spell new words. Pause before pronouncing words to ensure you're not transposing, adding or excluding letters or syllables. Write down new words in a notepad and study them in detail later.
3. Employ mnemonic devices. Take advantage of sayings, such as "i" before "e," except after "c," when learning basic spelling rules. While not every word will adhere to such axioms, using them as a baseline will enhance your spelling accuracy. Break complex words down by assigning a corresponding word to each letter, to create a memorable phrase. For example, remember spell the word "rhythm" by using the sentence, "Rhythm helps your two hips move."
4. Study words in groups. Breaking words into groups allows you to better focus on each word and spot similarities. Limit your study lists to no more than 20 words per session.
5. Use a variety of reinforcement techniques. This multilayered approach increases your exposure to the spelling words and helps you remain motivated. Use flash cards and word scrambles to test how well you recognize proper spellings. Copy and trace spelling words on lined paper. Use spelling words in everyday oral and written communication to make them a familiar part of your vocabulary.
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