Special Situations Lesson Idea: Tracing Words - A Kinesthetic Approach to Spelling
Description
If a student has difficulty remembering how to spell words,
using a kinesthetic (touch and movement) approach can help in the retention of spelling new words.
Adapted from PULL – Project for Unique Learners in Literacy by LVA–Illinois, 1994.
Materials
A list of words that your student has difficulty spelling.
A large sheet of paper.
A marking pen.
Suggestions
Write a word in large print (3” to 5” high) on the sheet of paper.
Ask the student to read the word.
Have the student spell the word on the card while tracing it with his index and middle finger.
Repeat this until the student thinks she or he knows how to spell the word.
Remove the card and have the student write the word.
If correct, have the student write the word three or more times.
If incorrect, have the student trace the word again and repeat the procedure.
Once the student becomes familiar with the above procedure, he/she can practice new words
independently as homework.