DS has a good vocabulary already for his age and I do not really think that we need to do anything other than continue to use "big" words around him and explain their meaning. I am curious though as to when/how to do spelling lessons.

Once Nico was able to write basic words, I started introducing a few words at a time from a list of the 500 most commonly used words. I'd write the word, have her write it in a sentence and after that I'd very casually quiz her. We are very laid back, so there's no spelling tests or anything, but we work with the words until they are second nature to her.

I know I have seen similar lists online, but I have them in a great book I found at the thrift. Trust the Children ~ An activity Guide for Homeschooling and Alternative LEarning by Anna Kealoha.

We started at age 7ish.

I think both IEW (institute for Excellence in Writing) and Spelling Power both recommend starting around 3rd grade.

Of course, I would assume that through learning some phonics and a child's natural curiosity in writing (which some have a LOT of while others have LITTLE of), they would get the simple spelling rules.

nathan is 2nd grade, just turned 8, and we will be starting IEW spelling program after the New Year. :) I'm excited about it, and so is he.

Unschooler here, weighing in with my own biased viewpoint. Spelling is one of those weird things that (IMO) needs to come when the child is ready for it. You would think it would go hand-in-hand with reading. It doesn't always. Sam read at 2 and only got into spelling in the past 6 months (he just turned 6). Now he writes something every day and I am surprised at what he can't spell. The boy can read fluently at an adult level but it takes him a minute to figure out how to spell anything other than basic monosyllabic words.

My point is that it may be worth it to wait until your kid shows an interest in writing things him/herself, and then the issue of learning to spell will arise organically.

:)

Tara

Once Nico was able to write basic words, I started introducing a few words at a time from a list of the 500 most commonly used words. I'd write the word, have her write it in a sentence and after that I'd very casually quiz her. We are very laid back, so there's no spelling tests or anything, but we work with the words until they are second nature to her.

I know I have seen similar lists online, but I have them in a great book I found at the thrift. Trust the Children ~ An activity Guide for Homeschooling and Alternative LEarning by Anna Kealoha.


OOO I have that book! My MIL just sent it to me. The library in her town was getting rid of it!!!! Thanks Meeshi!

My point is that it may be worth it to wait until your kid shows an interest in writing things him/herself, and then the issue of learning to spell will arise organically.

:)

Tara

I understand this. I think it would increase his desire to learn too if I waited until HE was ready.