Spelling: the bane of existence for many school-aged kids (and let’s be honest, quite a few adults too). If the mere mention of a spelling test sends your little ones running for the hills, or if you’ve ever found yourself questioning whether “i” really does come before “e”, then you, my friend, are in the right place. 

Here are some fun, slightly unconventional ways to help your kids master the art of spelling, without making them (or you) want to pull your hair out.

1. Alphabet Accessories: Fashion Meets Phonics

Who says learning can’t be stylish? From A to Z, there are necklaces, bracelets, keychain plush letters, and even shoelaces designed to keep the alphabet within arm’s reach (or foot’s reach, in the case of the shoelaces). It’s like accessorizing with a bit of educational flair. “Darling, is that a new bracelet?” “Why yes, it’s helping me remember how to spell ‘quizzical.’”

2. Spelling Snacks: Eat Your Words

Turn snack time into a learning fest with alphabet-shaped cookies or pretzels. Not only is this a delicious way to practice spelling, but it also ends with getting to eat your words – literally. Misspelled ‘because’? No problem, just eat the evidence and try again. Bonus points if you can spell out and then consume the word ‘onomatopoeia’.

3. Spell and Splash: Water Balloon Phonics

For those warm days when learning indoors feels like a punishment, take the spelling outside with a game of Spell and Splash. Write words or letters on water balloons. Every time your child spells a word correctly, they get to throw a balloon at a target (or, if you’re feeling brave, at you). Incorrect spellings mean they get splashed instead. It’s wet, it’s wild, and it’s wonderfully educational.

4. Karaoke Spelling: Singing in the Spelt

Who doesn’t love karaoke? Turn up the volume on learning with spelling karaoke. Create silly songs together that spell out tricky words. The catchier, the better. It’s a fun way to ensure those spellings stick – because who can forget a chart-topping hit about the correct spelling of ‘necessary’?

5. Magic Spelling Wands: Spellcasting 101

Every young wizard needs a wand, so why not a spelling wand? Craft a special wand together, and then, with a dramatic flourish, have them spell out words in the air. Each correct word casts a ‘spell’. Incorrect spells summon a fun, but harmless, ‘curse’ – like having to hop on one foot until the next word is spelled correctly.

6. Spelling Detectives: The Case of the Missing Letters

Turn your kids into spelling detectives. Write out sentences with missing letters or words and let them ‘solve’ the case by filling in the blanks. Create a whole mystery for them to solve, with clues spelled out along the way. It’s like being in a spelling-themed escape room, but without the room.

7. DIY Spelling Board Games: The Game of Words

Why not create your own spelling board games? Use a blank board or repurpose an old one and come up with rules that involve spelling words correctly to advance. It’s like Monopoly, but instead of buying properties, you’re collecting correctly spelled words. Who knew dominating the spelling world could be as thrilling as passing Go and collecting $200?

The more fun you can make spelling for your kids, the easier it will be for them to engage and learn the rules, so what are you waiting for?

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