The Spelling Basket: Unleash Your Child's Inner Speller

Do you feel like you've tried everything to help your child improve their spelling skills, but nothing seems to work? Are you fed up with the arguments about spelling practice? Tired of hunting for scraps of paper and thinking of fun activities?  Learning to spell can be stressful enough, so why not introduce a spelling basket into your child's life? Since setting one up for my son, spelling practice has been a much more laid-back experience. I just ask him to get his basket and select an activity. There's far less huffing and puffing (from both of us) and he prefers it when I'm not breathing down his neck while he practises!

What is a spelling basket?

A spelling basket is a simple tool that can help turn spelling practice into a fun and engaging activity.  First of all, find a basket or box which is large enough to hold your spelling resources.  Then fill it with all or a selection of the following:

• Whiteboard and dry wipe pen

• Chalkboard and chalks

• Plain and coloured paper, notebook

• Variety of writing materials - pencils, pens, crayons

• Spy pen for writing secret spellings

• A printed-out keyboard for 'typing' spellings

• A magnifying glass for writing tiny spellings

• An LCD writing tablet

• Rainbow scratch notes

• A timer for writing the spellings as many times as possible in 1 minute!

You can find resources for your spelling basket in my Amazon storefront!*

How does my child use the spelling basket?

Each day, ask your child to choose how they would like to practise their spellings.  Ensure that they have the list of words in front of them and let them get on with practising!  The night before the spelling test, check which words your child is still unfamiliar with and go over these together.

What are the benefits of using a spelling basket?

The great thing about the spelling basket is that it gives your child ownership over their spelling practice. Your child will enjoy reaching into the basket and pulling out an activity, and they'll be more motivated to spell out words when they're using fun resources!  Plus, by using a variety of different items, you can keep things fresh and interesting.

So, if you're looking for a simple yet effective way to help your child become a spelling superstar, try introducing the magic of a spelling basket into their routine!

You might also enjoy the following blog posts:

1. 10 fun spelling activities for key stage one

2. Help with handwriting

3. 15 essential tips for engaging reluctant readers

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