Looking for some new ways to study your spelling? Try some of these! Write each word 5 times. 1. Write the words in ABC order. 2. Write a sentence using each word. Can you write a sentence with two or more spelling words? 3. Illustrate the words. 4. Write the plural of each word. 5. Write the opposite of each word. 6. Create a crossword puzzle using the words. 7. Have someone scramble the words, then you can unscramble them. 8. Take a practice test. 9. Make a word search using the spelling words. Share with your classmates! 10. Write each word on two index cards to play a matching game. 11. Use Scrabble tiles to spell your words. Then add up the score for each word. Which word is worth the most points? The least? English spelling rules are complex, with many exceptions. If you find spelling to be a particular challenge, here is one strategy to follow: As a foundation: • Practice your spelling • Keep a "spelling notebook" and list words you commonly misspell or have trouble with • Keep a list of commonly misspelled English words, or words that may be spelled correctly, but misused (e.g. who's * whose) • Keep a list of rules for spelling This book can also help you build your vocabulary As regards important documents you send, or turn in to others: • Spell check the document if it is electronic Note: Some e-mail software (i.e. MS Outlook) can be set to automatically check spelling and grammar before you can send • Re-read the printed document carefully for errors: Pay attention to words you commonly misspell or that are spelled correctly but misused Note these words in your spelling notebook • Have someone you trust and respect review the document. This is often difficult for us since often we get comments regarding text as well as spelling. But that is a plus, since we don't have to change the text, but rather appreciate the suggestions and go on... • If you have a Center for Writing Assistance, take advantage of it Using Dictionaries: a dictionary contains more than the spelling of a word! It also contains the spelling of its derivatives: plural forms and participles. On line resources include Dictionary.com Dictionary, thesaurus, and access to foreign dictionaries Dictionary.net A straightforward presentation of definitions and synonyms from a variety of resources Merriam-Webster OnLine Dictionary, thesaurus, look up feature for bad spellers, word of the day, word games, and access to vocabulary in 230 languages Since English is so exceptional in its spellings, any dictionary assists you in finding exceptions to the rules of spelling. Alternative spellings, especially British vs. American, should also be noted. Spell checkers in word processing: • Spell check each and every word-processed document as a habit • Proof-read each document after spell-checking! A spell checker will only find words incorrectly spelled. It will not find words correctly spelled but misused. Common challenges: from and form: a common typing inversion; of, or: another case of mistaken keyboarding; to, too, two; there, their; whether, weather: common confusion of usage; foreign, physical: When is an "f" really a "ph"?
