The downside is you will have to adjust the pace as you are reading and you will need to verify they have spelled the words correctly at the end. The bonus is you can mix up the order of the lists quite easily and there’s no word document to prepare. Dictation helps a new speller improve their ability to segment sounds. In this way the student can work through multiple lists and be more independent in their study. You can also read words out and have a student type them, or create recorded audio files on the computer and save them as Exercise 1, Exercise 2, Exercise 3 etc.
Learn more about teaching kids to type: Typing for kids, How to teach typing. Having learners say the words aloud as they type is best, as is using a touch-typing method so their eyes remain up and looking at the words on the screen vs. The student can then type on the line below. Create a table and place each word multiple times across a row. Remove any formatting with a paste special command and unformatted text option. If you already have an electronic list you’re working with, you can simply copy and paste the words into a word document. It only takes a moment to create your own typing drills. Also note, learners with no disabilities, difficulties, or learning differences will still benefit from this approach as multi-sensory learning is effective for everyone. Learn more in this post on touch-typing for learners with dyslexia. This is a great aid for students who struggle with language-based learning difficulties.
Moreover, touch-typing a word allows muscle memory to encode the spelling as a series of key strokes.
It is also the preferred approach when dysgraphia is present or in certain cases of autism spectrum disorder, particularly for nonverbal individuals. Typing is a highly accessible solution for learners who struggle with fine-motor skills and find it painful to write by hand, such as in dyspraxia. Not only is typing convenient, but it is also a multi-sensory activity that involves kinetic elements which can aid learning and retention of letter patterns. Yet one of the most effective and easiest approaches is using a computer or tablet and wireless keyboard. There are many ways to practice a list of spelling words, from making flash cards, to using oral recitation, or just plain writing the words out by hand.