Spelling Help

Nyree - posted on 07/24/2010

As a second grade teacher I can tell you that even non-ASD kids have been known to start reversing letters, writing backwards ect around this age. At first I thought I was having an epidemic of kids that needed help, just a stage that they were going through. Though if it continues I would suggest having the teacher try different times of day for the test, sometimes something simple like that can make a huge difference! Practice at home the same way they do it at school to help him feel comfortable with the system. Good luck!

Melissa - posted on 07/16/2010

Sheila, I love your multi-sensory spelling ideas!

Sheila - posted on 07/16/2010

Hi Jennifer,

If you have a list, or lists of words used in Hawaii, it would be a good idea to compare the list with the words he is studying in Kansas. If there has been a leap in difficulty, your answer might be that simple.

As well, your little one has also made the move to a brand new state, school, environment...This will have a huge impact on any child. You might also be seeing a reaction to the stress your son is feeling.

I realize that there is a lot of stress on spelling, but one of the best ways to improve spelling is to read more...not just your child reading, but you reading to your child.

As well, try not to spell in isolation from the other senses. When studying the words, talk about their meaning and their physical patterning. For example: giant g is a drop down letter, ian are flying straight, and t is a pop up letter. You actually practice the words using their bodies...g crouch down..i a n fly like an airplane, t jump up. It is just another way of learning words (and using stamps, playdough to create the letters...) make the word bigger than normal and have him trace over the letters....

These are all tried and true techniques for introducing and consolidating spelling for primary aged children (typical or not). Engage as much of the child's senses as possible to create as many neuropathways that you can!

Have fun and learn lots!

Sheila

Melissa - posted on 07/16/2010

For help, have you tried spellingcity.com? You can input the spelling list and he will be able to learn the words via online games.

Melissa - posted on 07/16/2010

If you think he's getting mixed up, it's entirely possible that that is the reason he's not performing as well as he used to. It might also be possible that the material is presented differently or is more difficult in KS than it is in HI. We entertained the prospect of moving to HI a few years back, but after having spoken with several parents (including a teacher) we decided against it for academic reasons. From what they said, the educational system tends to be much more laid back, so if this new school has higher expectations and is asking more of the children at a younger age, that could also have something to do with it.

Shasta - posted on 07/16/2010

my son is adhd and aspergers and when he was diagnosed they set up a 504 plan and we have iep meetings every few months...id think that the move is difficult for him new home school and so much more...im sure ur not doin ne thing wrong but trust me being new to a school with a child who needs special attention is a big deal and they dont get n a hurry by no means!!! just keep on them!! good luck

Karen - posted on 07/16/2010

i am seeking a downloadable PDF book for autism and spelling that i can share with our list for free