Spelling

Spelling Tricks That Will Work Magic For You

Does anyone like spelling English words? English spelling is hard for the same reason that English is a gloriously rich language, blessed with far more words than any other: the English language has always welcomed new words from all comers, going back to the many conquerors of England in its early years, and new words are added from all over the world on a daily basis. As a result, there is a maddening lack of consistency in the spelling of English words.

But there’s hope.

Usually, when you can’t spell a word, it’s because a certain letter is giving you trouble. Such words can be easily mastered by employing a mnemonic device, i.e., a memory trick. Simply isolate the letter that is giving you trouble, then think of a simple phrase highlighting the troublesome letter. The method works, and it’s fun. Here are some illustrations:

Spelling Tricks

word: absence

incorrect spelling: absense

memory trick: if they don’t C you, they notice your absenCe

word:address  

incorrect spelling: adress

memory trick: ADD a second D to spell ADDress correctly

word: business

incorrect spelling: busyness

memory trick: I take care of my bus -I- ness on the bus!

word: camouflage

incorrect spelling: camoflage

memory trick: O, U are hard to see because you are camOUflaged

word: guide

incorrect spelling: gide

memory trick: G, U and I need a GUIde!!!

See? Easy.

So, the next time you or your child are stuck, have some fun and think of a mnemonic.

And by the way, I offer a fun mini-lesson on memory training during tutoring. If interested, ask your child to ask for it.

All the best,

Jon