Spelling is an important skill for quality communication. However, it is not the most important thing we are doing with our time in class. We have many opportunities to write and read, two of the BEST ways to work on spelling in context. When studying the spelling list, I am more concerned that your child understands the spelling pattern, than being able to spell every word correctly. You can review the pattern at home in a variety of ways.
-Have your child identify their spelling words or other words they see that have this pattern. They can find these words anywhere they look! Books, cereal boxes, advertisements, signs, toys, and clothes are great places to look. We will be on the look out for these words in class as well!
-Post their spelling words on the refrigerator (or other prominent place) and ask them to use their finger to "write" their word on their forearm. Have them limit their practice to no more than 5 words each time. Overload is no fun! :-)
-We do not recommend having your child sit and write the words over and over again on a piece of paper. If they have multiple exposures, IN CONTEXT, to words that follow this pattern, they will be able to spell the words correctly 90% of the time. Identify the words that are tricky for your child, and focus on those few. It is not necessary for them to practice the words that are easy for them to spell. You will be able to see which words they missed on the pretest that comes home each week.