When I mention spelling lists, what comes to mind?
Maybe you remember writing the same words over and over again when you were in school. Or maybe you think about the drama of getting your own child to practice spelling for homework.
This year we are trying a new spelling curriculum, one that doesn’t actually do your typical list and quiz approach.
We are also trying some more hands-on and fun ideas for practicing spelling words.
This simple activity has become one of my daughter’s favorite ways to practice spelling words.
Alphabet beads can be used to practice spelling words and to practice sight words at home.
For preschoolers you can use the beads to work on name recognition.
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Practicing Spelling Words with Beads
Materials Needed:
- Alphabet Beads
- Pipe Cleaners (Chenille Sticks)
- Your Child’s Word List
Set up for this spelling word activity is easy.
Cut the pipe cleaners in half and supply your child with enough pipe cleaner pieces for each word on their list.
For younger kids you may want to hunt out the necessary letters ahead of time to reduce frustration.
You might also want to organize the beads by letter using an organizer like this one. It’s perfect for holding a variety of alphabet beads.
Have your child string the letters of each word onto the pipe cleaners.
They should string the beads in the order the word is spelled, adding the alphabet beads from the right hand side of the pipe cleaner.
To add another level to this spelling word practice, once your child finishes each word, have them read the word and then touch each bead as they spell the word aloud. We love using beads that are the actual shape of the letters like these.
Afterwards your child can remove the beads from the left, spelling the word once again.
Your child might even want to turn the pipe cleaners into spelling word bracelets to wear, adding a plain bead between each word and stringing several words onto the bracelet. (Just don’t let them wear the bracelet on spelling quiz day!)
Simple, hands-on learning activities like this one can help reduce the drama when it comes to practicing spelling words.
Check out these posts for more fun learning ideas.
Math Fact Practice with Cootie Catchers
Drive to the Sight Word — Sight Word Practice
How to Make Your Own Wind Anemometer
