Spelling, the band of some peoples' lives and something that comes incredibly naturally to others. Either way, it is one of those things that you absolutely need to be able to do if you want to make the most of opportunities in life. If you are 50 then you may have found that you have had your opportunities limited if you cannot spell. If you are 15 then you may have thought that spelling was optional at school or found it really difficult and thus ignored teachers who tried to help you as a result. You would be surprised at just how many people fall into these categories. But you are not on your own. In addition to that, it is never too late to do something about it.

1. Steps and Exercises to
Improve Your Spelling Skills

2. Why Improving Spelling Skills is Important
Spelling, the band of some peoples' lives and something that comes incredibly
naturally to others. Either way, it is one of those things that you absolutely need to
be able to do if you want to make the most of opportunities in life. If you are 50
then you may have found that you have had your opportunities limited if you
cannot spell. If you are 15 then you may have thought that spelling was optional at
school or found it really difficult and thus ignored teachers who tried to help you as
a result. You would be surprised at just how many people fall into these categories.
But you are not on your own. In addition to that, it is never too late to do
something about it.
No matter how old or young you are, it is important to learn how to spell properly
for a number of reasons. If you are an adult then a lack of spelling knowledge could
actually jeopardize any chance of getting a job that you really want if the employer
has specific literacy requirements. If you are still in school then failing to learn how
to spell properly could prevent you from getting the grades you would like in
exams. As such, it is a serious problem that you need to address and it is never too
late to do just that.
So just why is spelling so important? Barker and Moorcroft have the following to
say about the importance of spelling: Spelling is an important skill because it helps
to create clear meanings in written English. Writers need to develop spelling
strategies which they can use with confidence - leaving them free to concentrate on
producing ideas and arranging and constructing them. (2002, p. 3). This may mean
little to you now but if you continue through life without the ability to spell then you
will find that it will limit you at every opportunity.
And no, using a spell checker on a computer is not the answer and absolutely does
not excuse failing to learn how to spell properly. Why? Well, aside from the fact
that using a spell checker on a computer is being lazy, there is also the fact that it
does not pick up every single mistake, does not recognize some of the words that
we all use on a daily basis, may not actually correct a misspelling with the correct
one and may even stop your work from making sense. If this theory is applied to an
essay then it could drag your grades down. If it's applied to a professional letter
then you will find that it does not make the correct impression and may either cost
you your job or hinder your career.

3. Brown also states the following in relation to resources that people tend to go to for
spelling help without actually taking the time to learn how to spell properly: If you
really want to be a better speller, you have to develop your own sense of whether
your spellings are right or wrong. Computer spell checks or dictionaries and other
people are all useful resources, but if you depend on them all the time you won't
get much better.(2002, p. 78)
So what can you do to help to improve your spelling? Well, adopting a good step by
step process will help you get to grips with your spelling problems.
Identifying Your Spelling Weaknesses
The very first step you take in any spelling improvement program should
always be to identify your weaknesses when it comes to putting words onto
paper. No matter how old you are or how much confidence you lack in your
overall spelling ability, you will find that you are stronger in some areas than
others.
In truth, this should always be the first step in any program but it is often
completely left out because authors of spelling improvement programs tend
to take it for granted that you already know what your spelling weaknesses
are. However, whether it seems obvious or not in theory, it is a staple
element in this particular spelling improvement plan.
Please note that you need only take this particular step once if you want to.
Your spelling weaknesses should be identified before you take on any of the
further steps but you do not need to do it again when you are looking at
starting to work through them again in the future. However, you might find
that you benefit from going through this step again because resolving the
first issues that you find to be hampering your spelling might actually reveal
some new spelling weaknesses that you did not realize you had before. The
choice is yours but it is absolutely necessary to take this step at least once.

4. Why?
According to Suarez & Suarez: "Lists, especially standardized lists, are an
ineffective way to study spelling and are a waste of time." (Suarez & Suarez,
2006, p. 235). Despite this fact, teachers still teach using standardised lists
and those people looking to improve their spelling skills also tend to go into
it blind by using them. Because it is an accepted teaching method, no matter
how effective it is or not for those learning how to spell.
So what has this got to do with identifying your spelling weaknesses? Well,
the debate over standardised teaching has an awful lot to do with spelling
weaknesses because it takes every student of spelling and lumps them all
together in the same box, so to speak. There is no individualism with this
method at all. Instead, everyone is treated the same. The problem is that
this is not conducive to improving the spelling skills that everyone has.
Remember what Easton said - that everyone learns in a different way and so
not all techniques may suit you (2007, p. 18). As a result, standardised lists
do not suit everyone. They may not even address your personal weaknesses
because all of the words on the list may be words that you are fine with and
know how to spell. In turn, this is deceptive because it would suggest that
you do not have a problem with spelling but rather believe that you have a
weakness and have developed a phobia as a result of it (Wearmouth, Soler &
Reid, 2002, p. 347).
This is not the case though. Although you may well have a phobia as a result
of your spelling weakness, regardless of what standardised tests may say, if
you feel that you have spelling weaknesses then you need to find out what
they are to be able to deal with them.
Essential Exercises and Techniques
There are many ways and means by which you can find out exactly where your
spelling weaknesses lie. Although you do not have to of all of the exercises, it may
be worth doing a couple of them in case they identify different weaknesses for you
to look at.

5. It should be noted that all of these exercises are suitable for people of all ages.
They are simple but generic exercises that take anywhere from five to thirty
minutes a piece and none of them have defined levels. Simply put, this means that
you can do them regardless of age, reading level, existing spelling level and
learning difficulties.
If you really want to find out as much as possible about the spelling weaknesses
that you need to address then we suggest that you work through each exercise in
turn:
1. Take a pen and piece of paper and write a short story of around 500 words. You
should write the story using the words that you would normally use when speaking.
It does not have to make sense or even be any good (you are the only one that
sees it if you choose) but it should include words that you normally steer clear of
using on paper because you always get confused as to how to spell them. When
you have finished, read through the story an pay close attention to the spelling.
Underline all the words that you think are wrong in a red pen and then check them
against the spelling that is used in a dictionary. Highlight the ones that you have
spelled wrong with a yellow highlighter. After you have taken this step, type out
your story onto a Word document on the computer, turning off the automatic
correction facility. After that, use the spell check to identify words that are incorrect
and note their correct spelling on the sheet of paper, using the highlighter again.
This way, you have identified words that you have difficulty spelling and have
created your own list to use in the coming chapters.
2. Get a newspaper story from a broadsheet newspaper and make sure that it is
one that you would not necessarily read. Again, take a highlighter and outline any
words that you would not normally know how to spell. Compile a list from those
words and note down any patterns. For example, you may find that there are
certain letter patterns that you get mixed up or non-standard words that prove to
be difficult. Angelisi said that: "Encouraging students to search for certain spelling
patterns in words can help them remember the spelling of the word better", with
patterns being rhyming patterns, consonant or vowel clusters, prefixes and suffixes
(2000, p. 5). As such, looking for them from the start can help to identify
weaknesses in any of these particular areas.

6. 3. Use spelling games, such as flash cards, and puzzles, such as crosswords, to
identify spelling weaknesses. This is a fun way of finding out what areas you lack in.
You can use crosswords that are basic or more difficult in nature but you should
know the answers, or know someone that does. From there spell the words how
you think they are spelled. You will soon find out which ones are wrong and which
ones are right from the answers. You will also be able to identify whether you learn
to spell better via sounds or via using mental images. Most people that try
crosswords do either one automatically so just complete the puzzle as you normally
would but pay more attention as to how you go about spelling.
4. Use some of the standardised spelling tests that are available online. Although it
is never a good idea to use standardised spelling tests to learn how to spell
effectively or improve the skills that you already have, they can be very useful in
identifying any issues that you may have. They come in many varieties but the
proof reading ones are perhaps the best. You essentially have multiple choice
questions that you need to answer. You should use logic and reasoning to answer
each of the questions and you will soon find out which words cause you problems.
Again, this can help to identify patterns that you have issues with. NEVER guess the
answers or else you will not know where you are going wrong. Some example
questions can be found below and have been taken from an online quiz by British
newspaper The Guardian:
Which of the following is correct?
Milenium
Millenium
Milennium
Millennium
Which of the following is NOT correct?
cemetery
definitely
accidentally
accommodate

7. What is the standard spelling of this word, means tiny?
minisscule
miniscule
minuscule
minuschule
You can make each of these as fun or as serious as you like. Take whatever
measures work for you but follow all of the golden rules for finding out your spelling
weaknesses. They are outlined below for you:
1. You need to be able to concentrate and act as naturally as you can when
following each of the exercises.
2. Never try harder than you normally would.
3. Only ever guess at how to spell something when that is what you would normally
do.
4. Never use a dictionary or other spelling tool unless instructed to do so by the
exercise guidelines.
5. Try to reason when you are spelling out a word when you routinely would do so
but remember how you did so
6. Always pay attention to how you try to spell words ? trying out versions of the
word on paper, working it out in your head, trying out the sounds, picturing the
word mentally%u2026
If you stick to these golden rules and follow the exercises perfectly then you will
soon find out what your spelling weaknesses are. If you have trouble with certain
sounds or patterns then you will notice them. If you have issues with certain words
or spelling rules then they will quickly become clear. However, if you have trouble
in many areas then prioritise those areas and work on one at a time. If you do this
then you will find that it is easier to retain knowledge and your spelling will improve
greatly over time.

8. Use Your Visual Memory
The visual memory is defined as ”any memory for which the stored
information was acquired initially by the visual system%u2026 To qualify as
a visual memory, then, the memory must retain properties of the original
perceptual states generate when the memory was encoded." (Luck &
Hollingworth, 2008, p. 3). This generally means that you see something,
visualize it in your mind and then use that mental picture to spell words
correctly. This may sound complex but it is actually quite simple when you
get used to using this technique.
And you have to tap into your visual memory because it is one of the most
powerful tools you have in your quest to improve your spelling ability and it
can make the largest possible impact in a short space of time.
In truth, there has been an awful lot written on the concept of using visual
memory to improve your spelling because it is a strategy that has been used
with increasing regularity by teachers, academics and tutors to teach people
how to improve their spelling and also to teach very young children how to
spell.
Taking the step to improve your spelling via visual memory has many
advantages such as:
1. Visual memory strategies are easy to remember because the brain is
programmed to receive images and process them. In doing so, the very
same images are committed to memory and so you can call on them if you
need to. This makes spelling easier.
2. The visual memory can be used by adults and children alike so it provides
everyone looking to improve their spelling with a major advantage, although
the techniques used to do so do vary between adults and children, which will
be discussed a little later.
3. It adds a little fun to the step by step program to improve spelling, which
is essential in helping you to engage with it. If it appears to be boring from
the outset then you are far more likely to give up.
4. Using the visual memory gets results. Even if you find it easier to spell
using sounds or patterns, you will find that you will benefit from using
mental images because at least some of them will stick. It will also prepare
your mind for those later techniques so that you do not have to work so
hard to get it going.

9. The visual memory should also be used because it will help you to improve
your spelling by providing you with images that you can associate with the
way in which you spell certain words. The visual cues can help you to build
your vocabulary, get creative and struggle far less when it comes to writing
a letter or taking an exam. The images can be anything from paintings to
wall charts to posters to words as they are printed in books and newspapers.
Take what Powell and Hornsby have to say on the matter as an example:
"Although they know that sounding out the word won't help them, [people]
often feel that if they write the word out how they think it may be spelled,
they will be able to judge whether it's correct or not by looking at it. They
are, therefore, relying on their visual memory." (1993, p. 28). This may not
be how you think of visual memory but it still comes under this heading
nevertheless.
How Effective is This Step?
Although some people do not have a very good visual memory and will struggle
with this particular step, it is highly effective for the vast majority of people.
According to Powell and Hornsby, the visual memory is actually one of the best
possible spelling strategies that you can use because it allows you to build up a
series of images in your mind so you can access them as and when you want to in
order to spell specific words that you have been having problems with (1993, p.
29). As such, this can work for anyone who wants to take advantage of the method
and has the visual memory to be able to retain those images.
The effectiveness of using the visual memory is evident in the fact that it is the
method used to teach small children how to spell right from kindergarten age. It is
highly common and can be used for the same purpose as you get older. Flash cards
and other such images are often used to help children to form the mental images
that they will forever associate with simple words to help to recall them at a later
date (Kumar, 2006, p. 137). Although adults and older children will probably not
need to learn how to spell "cat", "mat", "dog", "bird", "mother" or "father", the
same principles apply. The visual cues older people need to use are far more
complex than those on flash cards but they are just as effective and work just as
well in the long term.

10. Did you know that the effectiveness of visual memory is dependent on the way in
which the brain organises information and how it connects all the pieces of the
puzzle, which is what spelling is to you if you are struggling: "All memory can be
dramatically assisted if the information to memorise is organised and categorised in
a meaningful way. For young children, without significant experience of the printed
work, such help is vitally important." (Jackman, 2002, p. 16). This is why you can
tap into visual cues and override the part of your brain that currently has you
spelling everything incorrectly. Think about it ? if you can picture the word then you
are able to identify where you are making a mistake in terms of ordering letters
incorrectly. If you can picture the word then you are less likely to second guess
yourself, more likely to spell it correctly and feel more confident in your ability to do
so as well.
All of the above may sound like complete rubbish, and it is to a certain degree. It is
simply academic talk for ? it helps you to picture the words letter by letter so you
do not have to make the same mistakes that keep annoying you. Use your mind.
The tools you need to use your visual memory and improve your spelling are
already there for you. They are already in your mind and can help you to convert
spelling into a conscious process that causes you a lot of difficulty into the
subconscious process that people that can spell use. Eventually, if you use the
visual memory technique properly, you will find that you will be able to spell
without even thinking about it (Goulandris, 1992, p. 154) but you will need to do
many exercises under this particular step and work hard before that happens.
Essential Exercises and Techniques
There are numerous essential exercises and techniques that can be used in order to
make the most of this particular visual memory step. Before we take a look at some
of them though, it is necessary to point out that you will need to practice each
strategy regularly for it to work. It will not simply happen overnight. Like anything
else, you reap what you sow so make sure you put the effort in before moving onto
the next step.
Another point to make is that you can tailor each and every single one of these
exercises to suit you. Depending on how old you are and what the spelling
weaknesses you discovered are, you may want to change those below. If this is the
case then feel free to do so because you should really use whatever works for you.

11. Here are a few techniques, strategies and games that may work for you:
For Everyone
1. Get creative with words. Compose rhymes using the letters of words you are
having difficulty with. Many people would have done this when they were young
children and the principle still works really well for older children and adults. For
example, if you cannot spell MISSISSIPPI then simply remember My Irritating
Sister Said I Shouldn?t Surprise Irate People Pretty Ignorantly. Alternatively,
NECESSARY could be Nobody Eats Cereal Every Sunday Sausages Are Really
Yummy! Write the rhymes down with a few funny drawings and you will find that
you are able to visualise them and spell them effectively.
2. Use games to get a grip on your spelling. For example, you could use Scrabble
letters to spell out words or relabel your Monopoly board with words you have
trouble with. Playing such popular and yet simple games can really help to boost
your memory because you will be able to visualise the letters and labels on the
board the next time you have difficulty with individual words.
3. You can use a map to improve your spelling quickly and easily because it gives
you a focal point and one that you can visualise when it comes to remembering how
to spell individual words. This may sound a little strange but it really does help to
improve your spelling because places will jump out at you to help you to remember
how to spell. You can use the American states to learn how to spell or the countries
of the world by using the first letters of each country to compose words. For
example, ARITHMETIC can be America Russia Ireland Turkey Honduras Mexico
Egypt Tunisia Iran Canada. Or Alaska Rhode Island Texas Hawaii MainE Tennessee
Idaho California. It not only helps you to learn how to spell but can increase wider
knowledge too. If you have a good visual memory then this is an excellent
technique.

12. For Children
Use all the toys you have at your disposal to create visual images that will help you
learn to spell. If you have building blocks available then use them to build words.
The time spent building each word will help to create a sustained memory of it and
then you will be able to picture the final result. This technique should be used with
all of the words you are having problems spelling, taking ten words at a time. You
will soon find that you are able to remember the words off by heart after a couple
of days of playing this game for thirty minutes to an hour.
For Adults
1. Use visual cues on a daily basis and incorporate them into your daily routine. For
example, if you want to improve your spelling around your work life then why not
do so during your work life. You could create your own flash cards of objects that
you cannot spell the name of effectively and place them on your desk, or label the
machines you work with in the same way. You will not only be able to remember
the image but also where it was placed and recall an accurate spelling from it as a
result.
2. As an alternative to the exercise above, use post it notes to write out words you
are having a little trouble with and place them around your home. You could place
them on the TV or fridge. Again, you will then be able to test yourself on your
spelling by remembering where the post it is and how to spell the word is written
on it. It does not stimulate children and so is not ideal for them but it is a good idea
for adults that want to squeeze in a little unconscious learning.
Of course, this list is by no means exhaustive and you may find a whole host of
other visual memory techniques that work for you but they will give you a good
idea of exactly where to start. You should note that the use of a newspaper or book
and the flash card techniques are not mentioned in any of these points. There is a
reason for that ? all of the techniques outlined here are designed for older children
and adults. The flash cards are used by young children and so are useless here and
the newspaper technique is something that you might begin to use when you get a
little more practice in. Do not try to run before you can walk!

13. Speaking of which, there are some guidelines to using the visual memory
technique. For example, you need to make sure that you can picture whatever cue
you use in your mind’s eye after the event. If you cannot then you may be thinking
about it in the wrong way or rushing through it. Take your time and you will find
that it comes that much easier to you. Alternatively, you may not be following the
golden rule of keeping it simple because overcomplicating the techniques will just
add to the confusion your lack of spelling skills has probably caused anyway. Try
using your hobbies to make spelling fun and not a chore because that will also
improve the impact of the visual memory technique.
Finally, do whatever works for you and do not be afraid to change the games and
techniques described above if you find a better way of learning to improve your
spelling effectively. They are not set in stone and you will soon find what works for
you when taking this particular step. As a result, you should have faith in yourself
enough to alter any of them if you feel they will work that much better.
When you have spent sufficient time on this step and feel that you have made a
little progress, move onto the next one!
Hear, Sound, Spell
So now we move from the way in which you can use the visual cues to
improve spelling to the way in which words sound. This is a logical
progression and one that you might find really works to help reinforce what
you have already learned. Those people that find it difficult to work with
their visual memory should find the hear, sound, spell technique relatively
easy to use. The technique itself is relatively simple to use because it just
involves the three steps that are suggested in the title of this particular
module but before we go into why you should take this step, you should be
aware of a few points.
First of all, it is a fact that not all words sound the way they are written on
paper so this step can be a little tough. In fact, this step can be difficult and
frustrating for that very reason. No matter which words you have problems
with, you are guaranteed to have issues with at least some of them for this
reason. The next step after this one will tell you exactly how to deal with
them so do not panic. Just focus the words that you can use this technique
for and you will find that it is that little bit simpler than you would otherwise
believe.

14. Providing that you know the point made above, you will find that it is a
simple step to take, especially because it focuses on one particular element
of spelling/. In many ways, it is like the visual memory step for that. It will
not suit everyone and you may find the whole technique difficult to process
but regardless of how hard you find it, you will learn something as a result of
it. It will reinforce everything you have learned so far. After all, when you
can identify the difference in the way a word sounds and why there is a
difference, however subtle the letter combinations may sound, then you will
find it so much easier to improve your spelling ability (Robbins & Kenny,
2007, p. 17).
How Effective is This Step?
Using the hear, sound, spell technique is incredibly effective in improving your
spelling knowledge because it does not rely on your memory in any way, shape or
form. As such, it is literally diametrically opposed to the visual memory technique.
Despite that, it complements the previous step really well because to forces you to
use a completely different part of your brain. You have to use your sense instead to
learn how to spell certain words.
Using your senses can be very effective in learning all about the world you live in.
We learn common sense as a result of relying on the way things look, smell, feel
and sound rather than relying on all of the stories that we remember being told as
young children. Although we do tend to commit things to memory and like to recall
them to help us out from time to time, the memory can be a little faulty and
unreliable. As Sterling and Robson points out in relation to spelling: "%u2026the
less well known a word the less the speller can rely on visual memory (the lexical
route) and the more he or she has to rely on generating the spelling using
phonology and sound-spelling correspondences." (1992, p. 182).
The whole point of this is that you cannot rely on your memory to improve your
spelling so you should work on your other skills as well. Think about it ? what are
you more likely to remember? The words to your favourite song or a chapter of
your favourite book word for word? The sounds trump the visuals.

15. Providing that you know all of the rules of spelling, such as I before E except after
C, you will find this is one of the most effective steps that you will ever take in your
quest to improve your spelling (Schmitt, 2000, p. 122). As such, you need some
exercises to complete to make sure that it works for you!
Essential Exercises and Techniques
The hear, sound, spell technique can be practiced in a number of ways because
there are plenty of exercises that you can take advantage of. All of the exercises
can be used by children or adults alike because there is absolutely nothing visual
about them. The problem with the exercises in the previous step centered on the
fact that some of them were more childish than others because of the nature of the
visuals. However, there is nothing childish about the way you learn to spell via
sound in any way. Even if you chose to use nursery rhymes, it would simply be a
useful tool.
However, you should know that some of the exercises might be a little boring. If
you find that this is the case then just alter them to make them a little more fun.
You should always make sure that you are having fun with the hear, sound, spell
technique because it is easy to lose focus and let your concentration drift.
Check out the following exercises to help you sound spelling knowledge:
1. Focus on the sounds of individual words by using rhythm. Rap music, songs and
jingles are ideal for introducing you to specific sounds. Using football chants, for
example, will highlight syllables and help you to inject a little fun into learning all
about this step. Bearne states the following: "Rhythm and intonation are very
useful and you might even be able to pick up the rhythms of raps, sports
supporters' chants or jingles which the children are familiar with." (1998, p. 229).
As such, you can make up your own jingles or use those that already exist. Make
sure you choose those with words in that you struggle with though or else this
exercise will be pointless.

16. 2. Choose an episode of your favourite TV show and sit with your back to the
screen. Get a pen and paper and listen to the dialogue. Identify words that you
know you would have trouble spelling or are not really aware of and write them
down, pausing the show as you go so you can concentrate on it. Watch the show
through several times and each time look for something different? the syllables,
letter clusters, inflections. By the final time you listen to the dialogue you should be
pretty confident that you got all the words right. Then check them with a dictionary.
You will find that you will learn a lot from this exercise but be sure to set aside at
least a couple of hours for it because it may take a while.
3. Take advantage of a friend. Choose words that you know you have trouble
spelling and then get your friend to say them out loud. This can be a lot of fun,
even though it may sound boring from the initial description. You can ask your
friend to slow the word right down, elongating syllables, isolate the syllables so
they are said separately and even joke around with them. The point is that you can
listen to the sounds from someone else's mouth and spell them as they are spoken.
4. Choose your favorite songs and listen to them over and over again, choosing
words that you do not know how to spell, much as with the TV show example. The
difference here is that you can sing the words out loud and hearing them come
from your own mouth is an excellent aid. In fact, using any MP3 files or CD works
just as well, from audio books right through to speeches.
These exercises represent just a few of the options you have available to you so do
not hesitate to get creative. There are no rules to follow at all other than the fact
you have to focus because losing focus can actually seriously hamper your ability to
spell.
One final point before we move onto the next, do not worry about your dialect. If
you have a regional accent then words may sound a little different to how they are
spelled for this reason. You will find though that if you slow words down and
carefully pronounce each letter cluster then your accent disappears. Speaking of
which, the ensuing step will provide you with an excellent way of avoiding the
potential problem here. Let us move onto word identification and association.

17. Word Identification and Association
Word identification and association is not a common technique that is
associated with improving spelling skills. Despite that, it is a very useful tool
that many academics and researchers agree upon as an essential component
of the improvement process for children and adults alike with limited spelling
abilities. Word identification is very popular because it already links up with
the general knowledge that you have. For example, it assumes that you
already have a little knowledge of the individual words and can recognize
them visually but it does not place emphasis on visual cues or the way that
the word sounds.
In short, it is completely different to those techniques that have been
outlined in the previous two steps. It adds another dimension to your
learning and can improve other areas of literacy as well. If you feel that your
reading could do with a boost then it can certainly help you there (Smith,
2004, p. 91).
Word identification and association is also a little different to the techniques
that have previously been used because it can be used on a short term basis
to improve your knowledge of spelling and reinforce the previous two steps.
If you only have a little time then this will be ideal for you.
This step is particularly important because it gives you the ability to break
down words after recognising them. It does mean that you have to be able
to break individual words into distinct sounds that you can then spell out,
which is why it is placed directly after the step that concerns sounding and
spelling words. You need the skills that you have learned in the previous
step to make the most of this one.
Breaking words down is a key skill for those looking to improve their spelling
and one that should, in truth, already be utilized as a part of your learning
techniques if you had been taught to spell effectively when you were
younger. If you do not know how to break down words as yet then now is
the time to learn because it is an absolute must for identifying a huge range
of words. Smith points out that you can break words down in several ways,
whether by sound or by visualising the letters (2004, p. 91).

18. How Effective is This Step?
This technique is short and simple. It does not require a huge effort to change the
way you think or tools that are expensive. All you have to do is be able to read a
word, break it into letter clusters that you find easy to remember and take it from
there. Although it can take a little getting used to as a strategy, you will find that it
gets easier after the first few words. From there, you will find that you do it
subconsciously when learning new words. As such, it is a process that will come
naturally.
Word identification and association is incredibly effective for children and adults
alike because all you need is a basic knowledge of how to spell smaller words.
According to Angelisi, "teaching children to break down large, unfamiliar words into
smaller, more recognizable words [which] helps them to, eventually, decipher the
meaning of those tough words." (2000, p. 6). If adults are not used to this process
then the process of learning this technique will boost spelling for them too!
If you can spell the basic words that kindergarten children learn and are aware of
how they sound then you will be able to apply those words and sounds to the more
complex words that you are struggling to learn how to spell. It is not complicated at
all and once you know it then you will never forget it. Your mind will subconsciously
recognize those sounds in future as well so learning just one word will improve your
spelling of other words too (Smith, 2004, p. 92).
Essential Exercises and Techniques
These exercises are suitable for adults and children alike but you might find that
you need to tailor them a bit to suit your existing knowledge. As well, these can be
easily changed to suit you so if you read through this list and find them a little
boring then just inject a little fun. Providing that you stick to the basic premise, you
will find this very easy to do.

19. You may also find a few of these exercises a little familiar from previous steps.
They do cross over quite well and so will build on the knowledge that you already
have.
1. Flash cards are ideal for this particular strategy. In the visual memory step, one
of the exercises suggested making image cards to place around the workplace or
home to help you visualise words. They can be used here too. You need to be able
to identify the words and recognise them, which is the purpose that the image
serves, before breaking them down into letter clusters and learning how to spell
them individually. You may find that the images are a distraction when you
combine the two techniques. If this is the case then simply create plain cards with
nothing but the words on them. A tip here is to use different colours for each of the
letter clusters so that they stand out. Alternatively, you could use letters from
magazines or newspapers to make the letters stand out.
2. Word identification can also be learned via word games. Lexicon and Scrabble
can provide you with individual letters that you can use to break words down into
distinct letter clusters If you find that a little too simplistic then use word searches
and crosswords. The grid will help you to separate the letters that little bit better
without actually having separate tiles/cards to work with.
3. Wall charts are perfect for word identification, no matter how old you are.
Although the average adult probably does not want a wall display in their home, it
really can help to boost spelling improvement via word identification and
association because "students can visually be reminded of any words that may be
useful in helping them decode the meanings of words, remember spelling and
writing patterns of words." (Angelisi, 2000, p. 6). Use a range of pictures and
letters to create words that you can take a good look at whenever you are in the
room. If you do not want to dedicate a whole wall to spelling improvement then just
get a chart that you can tack to the wall and take down at your convenience. A wall
chart should feature all the letters of the alphabet, each of which should be
moveable so that you can spell out different words as and when you are learning
them, but there is nothing to stop you getting a little more creative. Just go with it
and see where the wall display takes you.
You should note that this list is by no means exhaustive. There are plenty of other
ideas that you can try to improve your word identification and association, from
puzzles to visual aids. No matter how you use them though, you should really make
sure that they are fun for you because this is the best possible way for you to learn.