Can we talk about spelling for a minute? (Spoiler: It can be fun!) We spend a lot of time talking about how to teach kids to read—and rightly so! But there’s another side of literacy that doesn’t always get the spotlight it deserves: Spelling!

Let’s face it, spelling can be… tricky. English is full of sneaky rules, confusing combinations, and “Wait, why is spelled like that?” moments. So, how do we help our kids navigate this twisty spelling road without turning writing practice into a battle of wills? Here’s the good news: Spelling doesn’t have to be separate from writing. In fact, it shouldn’t be. That’s exactly the idea behind a resource I love, called How Wee Write. It teaches kids how to write, and quietly sneaks in how to teach kids to spell along the way. Genius, right?

Let me show you how.

Teach Kids to Spell with How Wee Write

Instead of handing kids a list of words to memorize (and forget by Friday), How Wee Write introduces spelling naturally as part of learning to write. We start with the basics—letters introduced in a special order so kids can immediately build simple CVC words (that’s consonant-vowel-consonant words, like “cat” and “hat”). These are the building blocks of so many early reading and writing activities. 

Once kids are confidently forming words, we begin introducing those tricky spelling rules… but one at a time. For example, we meet the special “Magic E” and explore how it changes short vowels into long ones. Bye-bye “cap,” hello “cape.” 

Then there’s the long “a” sound. Did you know it can be spelled ai, ay, and a_e? It can get tricky! But instead of tossing them all at once, we start with the most common pattern and focus on just those words. Children learn to associate spelling patterns with actual words, which helps build their memory and confidence. Later, we loop back to the other variations of the long “a” sound—and guess what? Because we group similar words together, kids begin to spot patterns on their own. That’s where the magic really happens.

We continue to introduce one rule at a time, making it manageable and effective.

I also provide you with some extra tips along the way. Like this one: you know those look-alike letters that like to play tricks (like b and d!). One strategy we love for helping with letter reversals is letting kids “be the pencil.” Seriously. Go outside and have your child walk the shape of the letter—forward, backward, sideways. It’s a game-changer for muscle memory and directionality. Plus, it’s fun to get some fresh air and get moving!

As your child moves through the resource, they start writing full sentences—but not all at once. First, there’s tracing. Then copywork. Then copywork with dictation. And finally, full dictation. It’s gentle scaffolding that slowly releases the training wheels, giving your child just enough support while building independence.

Oh, and here’s a bonus tip: when your child is tracing letters, have them say the letter sounds aloud as they write. It strengthens the brain connection between sound, symbol, and movement.

So… Can spelling be fun and manageable? Yes, it can!

With the right structure, smart strategies, and a resource like How Wee Write, spelling becomes more manageable—and even rewarding. Because writing isn’t just about getting words down—it’s about growing skills, building confidence, and making steady progress one step at a time.

Ready to write (and spell) with a little more joy? Let’s do it together!

How Wee Write

Visit the How Wee Learn shop to explore more and download your free sample today!
https://shop.howweelearn.com/products/how-wee-write

Thank you so much for being here, sweet reader!

xo Sarah