Correcting Spelling

[StephanieU]

I know dictation involves students seeing the words spelled correctly, so I am starting to wonder when I should correct my daughter's spelling, especially on things not related to "school." For example, today she was writing directions for us to find "treasure" in our house. She repeatedly misspelled "your" (spelled it "uor"). Should I correct this all of the time, some of the time, or not worry about it yet. She is only in LHFHG and not quite 6.

[cjbaby]

I would point out the correct way to spell it, but not harp on it.


I usually present it to my own daughter as.... Actually you spell your Y O U R, O U R spells our but good try.

I try to follow correction with encouragement, so she does not get too frustrated.

[MelInKansas]

ITA with what the other person said. I do try to point out that it's incorrect but I don't make a big deal out of it. Usually if it's something for school (which there aren't very many things they are supposed to write on their own) I want it done correctly but if they are writing on their own I will suggest correct spelling but I won't focus on it and I don't make them correct it, I let them correct it if they want to.

Yes, ingrained habits of spelling something wrong can be hard to break, but probably at this age they aren't laying down really deep patterns yet and it can still be taught.

[mom23]

I find it impressive that your 6 yo is attempting to spell things like that! My 6 yo is still proudly showing us he can spell Mom or Dad... I don't think I'd stress about the mixed up letters at that age; she'll get it! You just want her to keep on trying to write. An option may be for you to just point out the word's spelling in a story you're reading her sometime, not necessarily drawing attention to her mistake, but just showing her the correct way in context. Does she know how to spell the word "you"? That may be a way to point out their similarities, as well. If it bugs you (I understand the not wanting them to ingrain bad habits) and you choose to correct it, just focus much more on the things you could praise her for, so she doesn't get discouraged and quit trying.

[StephanieU]

Thanks ladies! The day she misspelled your multiple times I did gently tell her you spell your y-o-u-r. Yesterday she was writing a little note to her grandma, and she asked me how to spell you. She knew the y came first but wasn't sure about the other letters. My oldest has always been very verbal and has wanted to write things from an early age (she was typing letters to grandma when she was 3.5 although I had to help her spell basically every word until recently). Her almost 4 yo brother on the other hand is not interested in any letters other than the 4 in his first name. They are SO different!

[my3sons]

... Yesterday she was writing a little note to her grandma, and she asked me how to spell you. She knew the y came first but wasn't sure about the other letters. My oldest has always been very verbal and has wanted to write things from an early age (she was typing letters to grandma when she was 3.5 although I had to help her spell basically every word until recently)...

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How special! I bet Grandma adores their notes and letters! What a good way for dc to spend their time! I agree with all that has been said in this thread. Good to correct - but not overcorrect or be overly critical. If I see my 6 yo writing something and repeatedly misspelling a word, I jot the word on a sticky note or marker board and put it near him, so he can see it written correctly and use it as a model as needed. He seems to view this as a help and not a put-down, so it all works out fine. Just an idea - but no matter what - you can celebrate your little honey's brave and bold attempts at writing! Commendable - you must be doing something right!

In Christ,
Julie