Spelling it
Right

Parents can help their children by:

• encouraging them to look closely at words
  • and talking to them about words
• encouraging them to try new words
  • (they won't do this if you're always criticizing
    their spelling)
• playing word games with them, such as:
  • hangman Click here for some interactive hangman games
  • Boggle
  • Scrabble
  • Shannon's game - instructions on puzzles 1
• encouraging effective memorizing strategies
  • see exercise mem1: Memorizing techniques
• encouraging good reading/writing posture
  • sitting up - eyes 12 to 18 inches away from the work
  • forearms making a triangle with the torso
    insist upon it (friendly nagging if necessary!)
• encouraging spare time reading
  • pointing out interesting newspaper items
  • encouraging visits to the library
  • buying comics, magazines and books as treats
• respecting "good mistakes" :  those which use letter
  patterns which do make the right sound, even
  though they are not right for that particular word.
  So, for "purpose":
  • "purpus" would be a good guess - like "focus"
  • "prupose" would be a less good guess
• ensuring a dictionary is on hand for homework Now go to advice page 3