Your child should get 100% on their spelling tests, right? Easier said than done because some parents struggle every week with getting their children to study their spelling lists. Never fear, we've got Five great ideas for spelling activities for your child that can improve his or her spelling overall. Some of them are so easy that your child may not even realize that they are learning!

Our first tip is to get your child to write out all or parts of the grocery list. While you search the cupboards and fridge for what's missing, you call out things to add to the list. If your child does not know how to spell them, you spell each item for them while they write it down. On the flip side of this, you could hand the grocery list to your child at the store and ask them to read it for you. Reading will help solidify their knowledge and doing an activity at the same time makes it seem easy.

Another great idea sent to us from a mom in Ohio is to make up spelling games using existing games such as Upwords or Scrabble. Limit the words to five letter words so that your child will not be overwhelmed. Watch your child smirk as they've figured out a really great word to spell.

Your child will become a great speller by using the computer to create their own book. Open Microsoft Word or any other word processing software and have them type out a story leaving enough room for pictures to be added. When they are done, they can spell check the document and print it. Homemade books make great gifts for granparents, neighbors and friends and your child will get a strong sense of accomplishment from this easy spelling activity.

Playing "The Alphabet Game" in the car is a great way to learn and pass the time. Children can search for letters on passing signs making them read and learn spelling as they go. Everyone knows that when the pressure is on to find a "Q" in a sign, everyone in the car shrieks with excitement. You can also ask your child to read signs for you as you drive, helping them improve their spelling skills. Good readers are usually good spellers.

Lastly, online games and software can help your child learn their weekly spelling lists more easily. By using games or simply having the child hear the word, see the word, then type in the word can increase their ability to remember spelling and improve their overall vocabulary. Have your child practice online a few times a week to improve their grades. You'll be surprised at how effective it is and how easy it is for your child to learn spelling online.

Kimberly Arslan
http://www.HomeSpellingWords.com