{"id":47255,"date":"2025-11-30T13:40:19","date_gmt":"2025-11-30T19:40:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.allaboutlearningpress.com\/?p=47255"},"modified":"2025-12-19T12:45:51","modified_gmt":"2025-12-19T18:45:51","slug":"how-to-teach-spelling-step-by-step","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.allaboutlearningpress.com\/how-to-teach-spelling-step-by-step\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Teach Spelling &#8211; Step by Step"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"clearfix\">\r\n    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.allaboutlearningpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/How-to-Teach-Spelling-Photo-3.jpg\" alt=\"Mom and child using All About Spelling Level 3\" width=\"540\" class=\"left\" \/>\r\n\r\n    <p>Teaching spelling can feel overwhelming, especially if your child is struggling or if phonics wasn\u2019t your strong suit in school. It doesn\u2019t have to be a tear-filled battle every day! With a clear method and a few trusted tools, you can confidently teach spelling step by step\u2014and watch your child flourish.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\n\r\n<p>Let\u2019s walk through how to teach spelling in a way that builds lasting confidence for you and your child!<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<h2>Why Spelling Matters<\/h2>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"clearfix\">\r\n    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.allaboutlearningpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/How-to-Teach-Spelling-Guide-Photo-2.jpg\" alt=\"Child writing on pad\" width=\"540\" class=\"right\" \/>\r\n\r\n    <p>In this age of AI and autocorrect, why even bother teaching children how to spell? Is it worth the effort? The answer is a resounding yes! Learn more about why, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutlearningpress.com\/blog\/in-a-world-of-spellcheck-why-spelling-matters\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">In a World of Spellcheck, Spelling Matters<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n    <p>Knowing how to spell, and more importantly, using the same methods to learn both spelling and reading, leads to stronger reading and writing skills. Children who master spelling rules and word patterns have a significant advantage when it comes to decoding more complex and advanced words. Reading and spelling programs that work together allow the children to consistently reinforce the rules they are learning, with repetition that provides for better mastery, as this research shows:<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<blockquote>\r\n    <p>\u201c<span class=\"italic\">\u2026 spelling has a final verification stage where the speller reads back the written word to make sure it looks and sounds correct. A synthesis of studies conducted with developing readers in the lower elementary grades concluded that integrated decoding and encoding instruction led to significant gains in phonemic awareness, alphabetic decoding, word reading, spelling, fluency, and comprehension (Weiser &amp; Mathes, 2011).<\/span>\u201d<sup>1<\/sup><\/p>\r\n<\/blockquote>\r\n\r\n<p>Proficient spellers are also better writers, but not for the reasons you might think. Writing requires a large number of separate skills \u2013 motor skills, thinking of what to write, forming sentences with proper grammar, and spelling the words correctly. When a child struggles with the basics of spelling, they don\u2019t have the mental resources left to compose complex sentences. High school and college-level writing suffers when a student has to expend extra effort to spell correctly. Even if they use autocorrect, they still need to recognize if the word provided is the right one. Have you ever had autocorrect give you a completely wrong word? How would you know if you couldn\u2019t spell?<\/p>\r\n<p>In a nutshell, the long-term benefit of spelling looks like this:<\/p>\r\n<ul class=\"large bee-bullets\">\r\n    <li>Children who become proficient at spelling tend to be better readers with a broader vocabulary.<\/li>\r\n    <li>A solid vocabulary improves communication skills.<\/li>\r\n    <li>Managers often cite good communication skills as the reason a worker receives a promotion over equally skilled peers.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>Children need a step-by-step approach to spelling. While phonics is crucial, it doesn\u2019t tell the whole story. English spelling can be tricky, and phonics alone can sometimes oversimplify it. That\u2019s why it\u2019s vital to study words and the rules they follow. When kids understand how the system works, spelling starts to make a lot more sense!<\/p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"clearfix\">\r\n    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.allaboutlearningpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Swatting-Phonograms-1-600x400.jpg\" alt=\"Child reviewing phonograms with bug cards and a swatter\" width=\"540\" class=\"right\" \/>\r\n\r\n    <h2>Step-by-Step: How to Teach Spelling Effectively<\/h2>\r\n    <p>Whether you\u2019re brand new to homeschooling or just looking to help a frustrated student, here\u2019s a solid foundation for how to teach spelling step by step:<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<ol class=\"large green-blue\">\r\n    <li><span class=\"bold\">Start with a Multisensory approach<\/span><br \/>Engaging all the learning pathways of hearing, seeing, and touching has been consistently shown to help students perform better and remember more of what they learn. It is much easier to master a concept if several areas of the brain are engaged simultaneously through multisensory learning, as Marie Rippel notes in her article on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutlearningpress.com\/blog\/multisensory\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Multisensory Teaching<\/a>.<\/li>\r\n    <li><span class=\"bold\">Make it Sequential<\/span><br \/>Concepts taught in a logical, intentional sequence ensures there are no gaps in the lessons.<\/li>\r\n    <li><span class=\"bold\">Use an Incremental \u201cLadder\u201d<\/span><br \/>Each lesson should build carefully on the previous lessons so the child moves through the material in a step-by-step, logical order. Learning gaps are a primary reason handicapping children from learning to spell with proficiency. That\u2019s why we recommend the \u201cno-gaps approach to spelling\u201d with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutlearningpress.com\/all-about-spelling\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><cite>All About Spelling<\/cite><\/a>.<\/li>\r\n    <li><span class=\"bold\">Include Cumulative Review<\/span><br \/>Regular and consistent review of previously taught material helps information move from short-term to long-term memory.<\/li>\r\n    <li><span class=\"bold\">Individualized Lessons<\/span><br \/>Using an open-and-go program like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutlearningpress.com\/all-about-spelling\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><cite>All About Spelling<\/cite><\/a> means you have the best of both worlds; you don\u2019t have to create the lessons yourself, but you can work through them at the speed that is best for your child. You set the pace; the curriculum does not.<\/li>\r\n    <li><span class=\"bold\">Phonogram-Based<\/span><br \/>Learning the letters and letter combinations that make up all the sounds in the English language is foundational to master spelling (and reading!) If trying to figure out phonograms sounds confusing, here\u2019s an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutlearningpress.com\/blog\/phonograms\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">easy-to-use method for teaching phonograms<\/a>.<\/li>\r\n    <li><span class=\"bold\">Teach Every Concept Explicitly<\/span><br \/>Many spelling programs leave it up to the student to make leaps of understanding about how phonograms come together to make words. A more effective approach is to assume nothing and teach every concept and rule in a clear, intentional manner.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n\r\n<p>These seven steps follow the Orton-Gillingham approach to teaching the logic and rules behind spelling. In this article about <a href=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutlearningpress.com\/blog\/knowing-why-words-are-spelled-the-way-they-are\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">How We Teach is Why We Work<\/a>, discover why this method is exceptionally effective for students of all abilities.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<h2>How Spelling Instruction Supports Struggling Learners<\/h2>\r\n<p>Some kids just don\u2019t pick up spelling easily\u2014and that\u2019s okay. Children with dyslexia or language-based learning differences often require a distinct type of instruction.<\/p>\r\n<p>That\u2019s where a program like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutlearningpress.com\/all-about-spelling\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><cite>All About Spelling<\/cite><\/a> really shines.<\/p>\r\n<ul class=\"large bee-bullets\">\r\n    <li>Based on Orton-Gillingham principles<\/li>\r\n    <li>Multisensory and mastery-based<\/li>\r\n    <li>Scripted and open-and-go (perfect even if you\u2019re not a natural teacher)<\/li>\r\n    <li>Success breeds confidence. Using the OG approach, even struggling students experience success with spelling and reading. Once they realize they can spell, it\u2019s like a dose of confidence that encourages them to keep trying.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>These features make it incredibly helpful for kids who learn differently and need explicit, sequential, cumulative lessons with systematic review.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<h2>Common Mistakes to Avoid<\/h2>\r\n<p>Even the most well-meaning parents can fall into a few common traps. Here's what to watch out for:<\/p>\r\n<ul class=\"large bee-bullets\">\r\n    <li>Relying only on weekly spelling tests. These don\u2019t actually teach spelling; they just test temporary memorization. Do you know if your child\u2019s spelling lists make sense for the way they learn? This article will explain why certain types of spelling lists are ineffective: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutlearningpress.com\/blog\/spelling-lists\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Why Some Spelling Lists Don\u2019t Work<\/a>.<\/li>\r\n    <li>Assuming that reading a lot of quality literature is enough to build good spelling skills. Excellent readers frequently struggle with spelling. The best way to maximize both reading comprehension and proficient spelling is to use reading and spelling curricula that employ the same method, such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutlearningpress.com\/all-about-reading\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><cite>All About Reading<\/cite><\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutlearningpress.com\/all-about-spelling\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><cite>All About Spelling<\/cite><\/a>, so that the concepts learned in reading are reinforced in spelling lessons. This helps retention and mastery.<\/li>\r\n    <li>Moving too quickly or trying to cover too much at once. There is no reward or requirement to finish a curriculum in one school year. If your child is struggling with a particular concept, it is perfectly fine to slow down and spend longer on that lesson. This article on the Funnel Concept explains why teaching too many concepts at once often does not lead to increased learning: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutlearningpress.com\/blog\/the-funnel-concept\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">The Funnel Concept<\/a>.<\/li>\r\n    <li>Skipping review. Mastery takes time and repetition. Children can only absorb so much at any one time. Even though you taught a lesson and they did the activities, it does not mean they \u201cgot\u201d it.<\/li>\r\n    <li>Moving to the next grade just because your child completed the previous grade. This is a common problem with traditional programs that move a child ahead simply because the school year is over. Advancing a child to new material without mastering the underlying concepts will leave them falling farther and farther behind each year. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutlearningpress.com\/all-about-spelling\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><cite>All About Spelling<\/cite><\/a> is not grade-level based. Placement for spelling is based on the student\u2019s knowledge of spelling rules and concepts rather than grade level, reading level, or the words a student has memorized. Administer this simple placement test to your child to determine the best level, ensuring they haven\u2019t missed any critical lessons: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutlearningpress.com\/spelling-placement\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Spelling Placement Test<\/a>.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n<h2>Tools and Resources That Help<\/h2>\r\n<p>The right tools make all the difference! Here are a few favorites:<\/p>\r\n<ul class=\"large bee-bullets\">\r\n    <li>Letter tiles: These are the heart of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutlearningpress.com\/all-about-spelling\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><cite>All About Spelling\u2019s<\/cite><\/a> multisensory approach. Kids can physically build words and manipulate sounds.<\/li>\r\n    <li>Phonogram cards: These help kids recognize and practice all the common letter combinations (like \u201cth,\u201d \u201cai,\u201d and \u201cough\u201d).<\/li>\r\n    <li>Flashcards: Essential for organizing customized review for your student, and useful for turning review time into a fun game.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>These tools take spelling off the page and make it interactive and engaging.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<h2>FAQs About Teaching Spelling<\/h2>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"collapse-card\">\r\n    <div class=\"collapse-card__heading\">\r\n        <div class=\"collapse-card__title\">\r\n            <svg aria-hidden=\"true\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" style=\"height: 2em; margin: 0 0 0px 0; fill: #88adc9;\" width=\"24\" height=\"28\"><path d=\"M13.75 18.75v2.5q0 .22-.14.36t-.3.2h-2.5q-.2 0-.3-.1t-.1-.3v-2.5q0-.2.15-.34t.34-.14h2.5q.22 0 .36.1t.15.37zm4-7.75q0 .78-.23 1.4t-.72 1.08-.8.7-.94.55q-.5.28-.72.44t-.4.38-.2.45v.5q0 .22-.13.36t-.3.14h-2.5q-.2 0-.3-.14t-.1-.36v-1.06q0-.55.17-1t.4-.75.6-.6.65-.4.7-.3q.8-.4 1.17-.7t.36-.8q0-.7-.7-1.1t-1.5-.5q-.84 0-1.5.4-.4.3-1.2 1.3-.15.2-.4.2-.17 0-.3-.1L7 9.8q-.16-.1-.2-.3t.08-.3q1.9-3 5.45-3 2.03 0 3.74 1.4t1.7 3.4zM12 4q-2.03 0-3.88.8t-3.2 2.13-2.12 3.2T2 14t.8 3.88 2.13 3.2 3.2 2.12T12 24t3.88-.8 3.2-2.13 2.12-3.2T22 14t-.8-3.88-2.13-3.2-3.2-2.12T12 4zm12 10q0 3.27-1.6 6.02T18 24.4 12 26t-6.02-1.6T1.6 20 0 14t1.6-6.02T6 3.6 12 2t6.02 1.6T22.4 8t1.6 6z\"><\/path><\/svg>\r\n            At what age should I start teaching spelling?\r\n        <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"collapse-card__body\">\r\n        You can begin informal sound work in preschool, but structured spelling instruction typically starts around age 6, once kids have a solid grasp of basic phonics.\r\n    <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"collapse-card\">\r\n    <div class=\"collapse-card__heading\">\r\n        <div class=\"collapse-card__title\">\r\n            <svg aria-hidden=\"true\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" style=\"height: 2em; margin: 0 0 0px 0; fill: #88adc9;\" width=\"24\" height=\"28\"><path d=\"M13.75 18.75v2.5q0 .22-.14.36t-.3.2h-2.5q-.2 0-.3-.1t-.1-.3v-2.5q0-.2.15-.34t.34-.14h2.5q.22 0 .36.1t.15.37zm4-7.75q0 .78-.23 1.4t-.72 1.08-.8.7-.94.55q-.5.28-.72.44t-.4.38-.2.45v.5q0 .22-.13.36t-.3.14h-2.5q-.2 0-.3-.14t-.1-.36v-1.06q0-.55.17-1t.4-.75.6-.6.65-.4.7-.3q.8-.4 1.17-.7t.36-.8q0-.7-.7-1.1t-1.5-.5q-.84 0-1.5.4-.4.3-1.2 1.3-.15.2-.4.2-.17 0-.3-.1L7 9.8q-.16-.1-.2-.3t.08-.3q1.9-3 5.45-3 2.03 0 3.74 1.4t1.7 3.4zM12 4q-2.03 0-3.88.8t-3.2 2.13-2.12 3.2T2 14t.8 3.88 2.13 3.2 3.2 2.12T12 24t3.88-.8 3.2-2.13 2.12-3.2T22 14t-.8-3.88-2.13-3.2-3.2-2.12T12 4zm12 10q0 3.27-1.6 6.02T18 24.4 12 26t-6.02-1.6T1.6 20 0 14t1.6-6.02T6 3.6 12 2t6.02 1.6T22.4 8t1.6 6z\"><\/path><\/svg>\r\n            Is phonics the same as spelling?\r\n        <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"collapse-card__body\">\r\n        Not quite! Phonics helps kids read by decoding words. Spelling is encoding\u2014putting sounds into written form. They\u2019re two sides of the same coin, and they support each other, but are fundamentally different skills.\r\n    <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"collapse-card\">\r\n    <div class=\"collapse-card__heading\">\r\n        <div class=\"collapse-card__title\">\r\n            <svg aria-hidden=\"true\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" style=\"height: 2em; margin: 0 0 0px 0; fill: #88adc9;\" width=\"24\" height=\"28\"><path d=\"M13.75 18.75v2.5q0 .22-.14.36t-.3.2h-2.5q-.2 0-.3-.1t-.1-.3v-2.5q0-.2.15-.34t.34-.14h2.5q.22 0 .36.1t.15.37zm4-7.75q0 .78-.23 1.4t-.72 1.08-.8.7-.94.55q-.5.28-.72.44t-.4.38-.2.45v.5q0 .22-.13.36t-.3.14h-2.5q-.2 0-.3-.14t-.1-.36v-1.06q0-.55.17-1t.4-.75.6-.6.65-.4.7-.3q.8-.4 1.17-.7t.36-.8q0-.7-.7-1.1t-1.5-.5q-.84 0-1.5.4-.4.3-1.2 1.3-.15.2-.4.2-.17 0-.3-.1L7 9.8q-.16-.1-.2-.3t.08-.3q1.9-3 5.45-3 2.03 0 3.74 1.4t1.7 3.4zM12 4q-2.03 0-3.88.8t-3.2 2.13-2.12 3.2T2 14t.8 3.88 2.13 3.2 3.2 2.12T12 24t3.88-.8 3.2-2.13 2.12-3.2T22 14t-.8-3.88-2.13-3.2-3.2-2.12T12 4zm12 10q0 3.27-1.6 6.02T18 24.4 12 26t-6.02-1.6T1.6 20 0 14t1.6-6.02T6 3.6 12 2t6.02 1.6T22.4 8t1.6 6z\"><\/path><\/svg>\r\n            Why does my child read well but spell poorly?\r\n        <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"collapse-card__body\">\r\n        Reading often involves recognizing words by context and familiarity. Spelling requires a deeper analysis and recall of letter patterns and rules; it\u2019s a more challenging skill.\r\n    <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"collapse-card\">\r\n    <div class=\"collapse-card__heading\">\r\n        <div class=\"collapse-card__title\">\r\n            <svg aria-hidden=\"true\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" style=\"height: 2em; margin: 0 0 0px 0; fill: #88adc9;\" width=\"24\" height=\"28\"><path d=\"M13.75 18.75v2.5q0 .22-.14.36t-.3.2h-2.5q-.2 0-.3-.1t-.1-.3v-2.5q0-.2.15-.34t.34-.14h2.5q.22 0 .36.1t.15.37zm4-7.75q0 .78-.23 1.4t-.72 1.08-.8.7-.94.55q-.5.28-.72.44t-.4.38-.2.45v.5q0 .22-.13.36t-.3.14h-2.5q-.2 0-.3-.14t-.1-.36v-1.06q0-.55.17-1t.4-.75.6-.6.65-.4.7-.3q.8-.4 1.17-.7t.36-.8q0-.7-.7-1.1t-1.5-.5q-.84 0-1.5.4-.4.3-1.2 1.3-.15.2-.4.2-.17 0-.3-.1L7 9.8q-.16-.1-.2-.3t.08-.3q1.9-3 5.45-3 2.03 0 3.74 1.4t1.7 3.4zM12 4q-2.03 0-3.88.8t-3.2 2.13-2.12 3.2T2 14t.8 3.88 2.13 3.2 3.2 2.12T12 24t3.88-.8 3.2-2.13 2.12-3.2T22 14t-.8-3.88-2.13-3.2-3.2-2.12T12 4zm12 10q0 3.27-1.6 6.02T18 24.4 12 26t-6.02-1.6T1.6 20 0 14t1.6-6.02T6 3.6 12 2t6.02 1.6T22.4 8t1.6 6z\"><\/path><\/svg>\r\n            How many spelling words should I teach each week?\r\n        <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"collapse-card__body\">\r\n        It depends on your child\u2019s pace, but less is more. Mastery over memorization is the goal. Focus on 5\u201310 words a week, along with review and practice.\r\n    <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"collapse-card\">\r\n    <div class=\"collapse-card__heading\">\r\n        <div class=\"collapse-card__title\">\r\n            <svg aria-hidden=\"true\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" style=\"height: 2em; margin: 0 0 0px 0; fill: #88adc9;\" width=\"24\" height=\"28\"><path d=\"M13.75 18.75v2.5q0 .22-.14.36t-.3.2h-2.5q-.2 0-.3-.1t-.1-.3v-2.5q0-.2.15-.34t.34-.14h2.5q.22 0 .36.1t.15.37zm4-7.75q0 .78-.23 1.4t-.72 1.08-.8.7-.94.55q-.5.28-.72.44t-.4.38-.2.45v.5q0 .22-.13.36t-.3.14h-2.5q-.2 0-.3-.14t-.1-.36v-1.06q0-.55.17-1t.4-.75.6-.6.65-.4.7-.3q.8-.4 1.17-.7t.36-.8q0-.7-.7-1.1t-1.5-.5q-.84 0-1.5.4-.4.3-1.2 1.3-.15.2-.4.2-.17 0-.3-.1L7 9.8q-.16-.1-.2-.3t.08-.3q1.9-3 5.45-3 2.03 0 3.74 1.4t1.7 3.4zM12 4q-2.03 0-3.88.8t-3.2 2.13-2.12 3.2T2 14t.8 3.88 2.13 3.2 3.2 2.12T12 24t3.88-.8 3.2-2.13 2.12-3.2T22 14t-.8-3.88-2.13-3.2-3.2-2.12T12 4zm12 10q0 3.27-1.6 6.02T18 24.4 12 26t-6.02-1.6T1.6 20 0 14t1.6-6.02T6 3.6 12 2t6.02 1.6T22.4 8t1.6 6z\"><\/path><\/svg>\r\n            What\u2019s the best way to help a struggling speller?\r\n        <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"collapse-card__body\">\r\n        Utilize a structured, multisensory program, such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutlearningpress.com\/all-about-spelling\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><cite>All About Spelling<\/cite><\/a>. Go at your child\u2019s pace, review often, and make learning hands-on and fun.\r\n    <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<h2>You Can Teach Spelling Successfully<\/h2>\r\n<p>You don\u2019t need a teaching degree or a background in linguistics to teach spelling well. With the right approach and support, you can help your child become a confident, capable speller.<\/p>\r\n<p>If you\u2019re not sure where to start, check out <a href=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutlearningpress.com\/all-about-spelling\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><cite>All About Spelling<\/cite><\/a>. It\u2019s a well-researched, award-winning, and proven approach, and best of all, it works. Just ask our hundreds of thousands of happy families.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<h2>References<\/h2>\r\n<p class=\"muted\">_________________________<br \/>\r\n<span class=\"muted\"><sup>1<\/sup>Weiser, B., &amp; Mathes, P. (2011). Using Encoding Instruction to Improve the Reading and Spelling Performances of Elementary Students At Risk for Literacy Difficulties: A Best-Evidence Synthesis. <cite>Review of Educational Research<\/cite>, 81(2), 170-200. <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3102\/0034654310396719\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3102\/0034654310396719<\/a> (Original work published 2011)<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"box\">\r\n    <h2>What you should do next\u2026<\/h2>\r\n    <ul>\r\n        <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutlearningpress.com\/blog\/how-to-homeschool-a-gifted-learner\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Read How to Teach Spelling (and reading!) to Gifted Learners<\/a><\/li>\r\n        <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutlearningpress.com\/blog\/teaching-multiple-kids\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Have more than one child? Here\u2019s how to teach spelling to multiple children<\/a><\/li>\r\n        <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutlearningpress.com\/blog\/teach-at-home-free-resources\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">The big bundle of free teaching resources<\/a><\/li>\r\n        <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutlearningpress.com\/spelling-placement\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Take our free placement test to assess your child\u2019s level in spelling<\/a><\/li>\r\n        <li><a href=\"https:\/\/downloads.allaboutlearningpress.com\/samples\/AAS-L2-AB-Sample.pdf\">Explore a free sample of our<\/a><\/li>\r\n    <\/ul>\r\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Teaching spelling can feel overwhelming, especially if your child is struggling or if phonics wasn\u2019t your strong suit in school. It doesn\u2019t have to be a tear-filled battle every day! With a clear method and a few trusted tools, you&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1283,"featured_media":47261,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[1],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v20.9 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>How to Teach Spelling: A Step-by-Step Guide I AALP<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"This clear, step-by-step guide explains how to teach spelling rules, patterns, and strategies\u2014plus tools to help kids spell with confidence \ud83d\udcaa\ud83c\udffb\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.allaboutlearningpress.com\/how-to-teach-spelling-step-by-step\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How to Teach Spelling: A Step-by-Step Guide I AALP\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"This clear, step-by-step guide explains how to teach spelling rules, patterns, and strategies\u2014plus tools to help kids spell with confidence \ud83d\udcaa\ud83c\udffb\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/blog.allaboutlearningpress.com\/how-to-teach-spelling-step-by-step\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"All About Learning Press\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/allaboutlearningpress\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2025-11-30T19:40:19+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-12-19T18:45:51+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/blog.allaboutlearningpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/AAS-Teach-Spelling-540x400-1.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"540\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"400\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Susan Scott\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@LearningPress\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@LearningPress\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Susan Scott\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"9 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/blog.allaboutlearningpress.com\/how-to-teach-spelling-step-by-step\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/blog.allaboutlearningpress.com\/how-to-teach-spelling-step-by-step\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Susan Scott\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/blog.allaboutlearningpress.com\/#\/schema\/person\/e86a273128a6a65a52d7c0721c451b5e\"},\"headline\":\"How to Teach Spelling &#8211; 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