Three Tests to Make Sure Your Spelling is in Top Shape for Exam Time
Now you’ve seen our exam tips and learned how to create and use word lists, let’s take a look at some of the ways you can test yourself to see how much your spelling has improved.
Spellzone offers three testing methods which you can access straight from your word lists.
- Look, Say, Cover, Write, Check Test
This method is a classic when it comes to learning spelling – and with good reason! At Spellzone we believe that learning while using as many senses as possible really helps to fix the spelling of a word into your memory, and the Look, Say, Cover, Write, Check method does just this.
We encourage our students to really look a word; to notice the shapes of the letters and how they are positioned within the word, and where the word is positioned on the page. Sometimes if you spell a word in a few different ways, one of the spellings will look more familiar than the others, and we encourage our students keep a scrap of paper to hand to do this on. It’s surprising how often a word ‘just looks right’, for example toylet vs. toilet, or tois vs. toys!
Another reason it’s helpful to practise writing out a word on a scrap of paper (or to type it out in a spare Notepad window on your computer) is because it provides the opportunity to really focus on the physical process of writing. Force yourself to really notice how the pen moves on the page, or where the letters are on the keyboard. After a while your hands will train themselves to automatically create the shapes of certain words.
Click on the speaker icon to hear how the word is pronounced and then repeat the word aloud. When you say a word, listen out for if it sounds differently to how it’s spelt. Try saying the word exactly how it’s spelt (for example, try pronouncing any silent letters) – who know what will trigger your memory?
After you’ve covered your words and had a go at spelling them, we recommend you go over any words you spelt wrong and test yourself again.
To take a Look, Say, Cover, Write, Check test, choose a word list and click on the eye icon to the right of the title.
- Listen and Spell Test
Our Listen and Spell test simulates the experience of taking a classroom spelling test, and works well as a follow up to the Look, Say, Cover, Write, Check test.
Think carefully about the sound of the word – it may give you a clue about how to spell it.
To take a Listen and Spell test, choose a word list and click on the ear icon to the right of the title.
- Spelling Games
Spelling games are great way to warm up at the start of a lesson, or to take a break with when you’re beginning to lose focus. Spellzone has a variety of games that will help you practise your spellings without making it seem like a chore.
To play any of our spelling games, choose a word list and click on the ball icon to the right of the title.
We also have printable activities which you can access by choosing a word list and clicking on the paper icon to the right of the title.
Good luck!
18 May 2015
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