How to Use Tactile Activities to Practice Spelling

Spelling is best taught through the three main pathways to learning: visual (seeing), auditory (hearing), and kinesthetic (doing).

Some of the kinesthetic activities incorporated in the All About Spelling program include building new spelling words with the letter tiles, writing phonograms as the sounds are dictated, and practicing "rule breakers" by writing in big letters with the pointer finger in the air and on the desktop. 

Following are some other ideas for enjoyable ways to bring the kinesthetic aspect to life.

Use one of these tactile surfaces for practicing phonograms and "rule breaker" words:

• Sand in a shoe box lid
• A sheet of very fine sandpaper
• "Feely" fabrics like burlap, velvet, and corduroy
• Rice poured into a baking pan
• Snow
• Plush carpet square

The following items can be put into a sealed plastic baggie to create a no-mess surface, and your student can use his finger to write through the bag:

• Shaving cream
• Pudding (This one you can eat after the lesson!)
• Liquid soap
• Glue

Use what you have around the house or make a small purchase the next time you are at the store. It won’t take much time or money in proportion to the benefits you will see for your student. Use a new tactile surface every so often to keep things fun and motivating.

Have a question about using tactile methods to practice spelling?

Related Article

• A Spelling Lesson Using Letter Tiles