Spelling Test Games

These spelling test games are designed for two people - the person learning the spellings and the helper. The games are played with the spellings written on pieces of card or paper (roughly, playing card size).

It is important not to overload the child with too many spellings. These fun spelling activities can be played after the Look, Say, Cover, Write, Check method has been used to learn them initially.

1. Greatest Fan: write the targeted words on individual bits of card (playing card size). Player 1 holds them in a fan shape with the words facing them. The parent/helper closes his/her eyes and picks a card. The card is read out loud by the parent and the child has to spell the word.

This is a simple spelling practice but children enjoy holding the cards up like a poker player and making the adult close their eyes!

2. Order: have the words on individual bits of card and put them in alphabetical order. If the child is confident, time them doing this. See if they can beat their own record. Looking closely at the words in this way helps with the visual memory of the words.

3. Reading Snap Each spelling is written on 2 pieces of card. Shuffle the cards and divide between the 2 players. As each card is put down, it must be read out loud by the person putting down the card. When 2 cards match up, put your hand over the cards and say ‘Snap!‘. The person who called ‘Snap!’ must then spell the card without looking (it should be under that person’s hand!)

4. Pelminism: each spelling is written on 2 pieces of card. Place the cards face down on the table. Turn 2 cards over and take it in turns to match up the cards. Encourage close attention so that when your partner makes a mistake you will know where the card you need is.

5. Hide and seek: take out one of the spellings and sit on it or hide it. Which one has been taken away and how is it spelt?

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