Learning to spell doesn’t have to be boring when there are websites like SpellingCity.com. This free resource allows teachers to create and save their own spelling lists. Then, students are offered a variety of ways to learn and practice their spelling words and then even take a quiz. It makes the teaching and learning of spelling fun!
In the Teachers section , you will find information about how to get started and a link to training videos. You can use the games in SpellingCity with an interactive whiteboard or have the students independently practice their words with the online games (at home or at school). You can print worksheets to practice spelling and vocabulary. Put a link to SpellingCity on your classroom website so it is easily accessible to your students. (At my school it has been added to the Language Arts container on the App Launcher.) Teachers can print out a parent letter explaining how they can help their children use SpellingCity at home to look up their teacher’s lists, practice words, and get ready for tests. It is also available in Spanish. The Teachers Forum is also a good place to look for ideas on how to use SpellingCity. Be sure to sign up for their monthly newsletter to be kept advised of new developments. This site frequently adds improvements and is responsive to suggestions and comments about occasional problems.
After creating a spelling list, teachers can save it for future use. The lists can also be edited. If you plan to use the same spelling lists another year, you’ll love this time-saving feature.
When students access your spelling list, they can begin with ‘Teach Me’ and hear each word, see it spelled letter by letter, and hear it used in a sentence. After this introduction to the words, they can choose to progress to the Learning Activities and Games. There are 11 activities from which to choose including MatchIt, Word Search, Crossword Puzzle, HangMouse, and Alphabetize. You can make any of these activities full screen and then use it as a whole group activity using an interactive whiteboard. To prepare for your spelling test, the student can use the ‘Test Me’ part of the program. Students click to hear each word spoken and then type in the word. Students can choose to print their results. Students can always return to the Learning Activities and Games if more practice is needed.
One other terrific feature of SpellingCity are the premade found in Resources. Choose from curriculum content such as Geography (States C]apitals, countries, etc.) and Language Arts (compound words, contractions, sight words, etc.). There are also Literature Based Word Lists!
SpellingCity.com is a great website that will fit nicely in you ensemble of resources. It continues to get better and better as it offers more ways to make learning spelling FUN!
