Hands-On Spelling
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How do you teach spelling? Traditionally, spelling is taught by giving kids a list on Monday and a test on Friday. The problem with this approach can be that students learn to memorize words in isolation. I am not opposed to spelling tests, but I do think that young students need a hands-on approach to spelling.
The Build a Word Packets allow students to see patterns in words by implementing strategic phonics into their spelling. Within the bundle, there are 6 targeted phonics patterns that build strong spellers by utilizing a hands-on approach.
- CVC Words – Consonant-Vowel-Consonant words build the foundation for the rest of the implemented phonics patterns. This packet allows students to build 84 words!
2. Blends – (also known as consonant clusters ) blends are two or three consonants in words that make a distinct sound. The packet works with L-Blend, S-Blend and R-Blend words with 114 cards.
3. Digraphs – a combination of two letters that represent one sound. There are 6 main digraphs in this packet: sh, th, ch, ck, ph, and wh.
4. R-Controlled Vowels – When the letter “r” follows a vowel it effects the sound the vowel makes. This packet includes 42 cards that will work with the ar, er, ir, or and ur sounds.
5. Long Vowels – Long vowels say their own name. They can work together with a “silent e,” or they can work together with another vowel. In this packet of 171 cards, the following vowel patterns will be covered: Long A: a_e, ai, ay Long E: ea, ee, ey, y Long I: i_e, ie, igh, y Long O: o_e, ow, oa, oe Long U: u_e, ue, ew, ui
6. Diphthongs: When a vowel has a noticeable change within the same syllable, it is considered a diphthong. Basically, a diphthong is a type of vowel sound that is made up of a combination of two individual vowel sounds within the same syllable. The diphthongs included in the 91-card packet are as follows: au, aw, ew, oo, oi, oy, ow, and ou.
Beginning spellers and readers start by sounding out CVC (consonant- vowel -consonant) words. If students know their letter sounds, they can transition to sounding out simple CVC words. CVC words allow students to work on blending consonants and short vowels.
Next in the phonics progression, student move onto Blends and Digraphs. You can continue with the R-Controlled Vowels and Long Vowels. Finally, you can introduce Diphthongs. Soon, I will be releasing a Trigraphs Packet to the bundle too!
Don’t have time to cut and laminate all the pieces?
No problem! Turn a high prep product into a low/ NO PREP Folder! Just print the pages, place them in sleeve protectors and practice!
I hope this hands-on approach to spelling makes learning FUN!
Grab the Bundle HERE
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Annie Moffatt
Annie Moffatt is a former elementary school teacher and homeschool mom with a passion for helping young learners thrive. With a background in early education and a heart for making learning fun, Annie designs engaging, low-prep resources that build confidence and success in the classroom. Her hands-on, kid-friendly approach has supported thousands of teachers and parents around the world in creating joyful learning experiences for their students.
Thank you for this idea but I couldn’t get it to open.
Hi Sheree,
The link goes to my store when you can purchase the bundle. The file is a zip file so you will need unzipping software. The software is free. I hope this helps.
Kindly,
Annie
Greetings.
Thanks for your creative ideas.
I would like to know how I could get the free software of hands…on spelling
Can you tell me where you found the letters and container to use with your word packets?
Hi Traci,
I purchased the kit from Lakeshore Learning. Be sure to sign up for their text coupons 🙂
Annie
How will we know when the Trigraphs part of the bundle is complete for download? Is it part of the spelling bundle?
Hi Kim!
The Trigraphs packet is now part of the bundle. You can head over to TPT to re-download the Build a Word Bundle. After you re-download it, you should see it. I hope this helps!
Kindly,
Annie
My son has just finished the CVC packet and it is wonderful! which set should he start next? Do you have a suggested order for the entire program?
Hi Kim!
Thank you! I am so glad your son has enjoyed the packet! I do recommend an order for teaching phonics. Here is what I would suggest:
1. Phonemic Awareness- https://themoffattgirls.com/what-is-phonemic-awareness-and-why/
2. CVC Words- https://themoffattgirls.com/how-to-teach-cvc-words/
3. CVCe Words -https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/CVCe-Fluency-THE-BUNDLE-2296978
4. Digraphs and Blends- https://themoffattgirls.com/teaching-digraphs/
5. R-Controlled Vowels- I should have a packet coming out this week 🙂
6. Long Vowels, Diphthongs and Trigraphs. I use our Build a Word packet to cover all of these:https://themoffattgirls.com/hands-on-spelling/
I hope this helps Kim!
Kindly,
Annie
Could you please tell me why some of the letters are together in a box like “oi” and others like “ee” in cheese are not? Also, some of the letters are skinnier like “l” I was wondering what to tell my students!! Thank you. They look amazing.
Good article, your sharing is so nice, love your work!
Do the boxes under the pictures represent the sounds in the words or the number of letters? For example in your pictures above, truck has five boxes but only has 4 sounds. Same with trash, there are five boxes but only 4 sounds. Then, chew only has 2 boxes (larger to hold two letters) for the 2 sounds represented (it is not following the format above).
Love this product, but want this explained before I buy it.
Wow ! What a neat product!
Love this set! You guys are amazing!
HI Annie
Where did you get your letters? I love that you use red letters for all the vowels! I do that on chart paper too and it helps the students see the difference each time.. But I am having a hard time finding letters like yours…..
Thanks
Diane
Hi Diane!
I got the magnet letters from Lakeshore Learning. They come in a box that keeps the alphabet well-organized too. Hope that helps!
Kindly,
Annie
I love that idea….HANDS-ON-SPELLING…You are so smart.. thanks a lot for sharing your ideas with us.. God bless.