Discover educational insights, spelling tips, and the latest updates from SpellingJoy.
Sight words and phonics-decodable words are not opposing camps. This guide explains what each category really means, how the Science of Reading bridges the debate, and gives teachers and parents grade-by-grade strategies for teaching both types of words effectively.
A grade-by-grade reference of the most commonly misspelled words from kindergarten through 6th grade, with the typical misspelling, why each word trips kids up, and a memory tip to fix it for good.
An 8-week parent guide to spelling bee preparation covering study methods, memory techniques, practice routines, performance anxiety strategies, and a day-by-day timeline so your child walks to the microphone confident and ready.
Grade-by-grade spelling bee word lists for 2026 with 15-20 words per level organized by difficulty tier (easy, medium, challenge). Includes pronunciation tips, origin notes for harder words, study strategies, and expert advice for parents and teachers preparing students for school and regional spelling bees.
A complete parent guide to preparing your child's spelling skills before the new school year. Includes a grade-by-grade readiness checklist (K-6), a 4-week preparation timeline, assessment tips, and daily practice routines that take 15 minutes or less.
A balanced, evidence-based comparison of spelling apps and paper worksheets. Learn when each approach works best, what research says about digital vs. paper learning, and how to combine both for the strongest results at every grade level.
Research shows children can lose up to a third of their school-year spelling gains over summer break. This guide gives parents 10 practical activities, a month-by-month plan, and daily time targets to keep spelling skills sharp all summer without turning vacation into school.
A complete list of 180+ spelling words for 2nd graders organized by phonics pattern, plus a 36-week study schedule and tips for parents to make practice effective at home.
The reading wars have raged for decades, but what does research actually say about how children learn to spell? We break down the phonics vs. whole language debate, review the evidence from the National Reading Panel and Science of Reading movement, and explain why structured literacy offers the most effective path to spelling proficiency.
Proven strategies for teaching English spelling to ELL and ESL students, including techniques for leveraging first-language knowledge, building phonemic awareness, and adapting instruction for diverse language backgrounds.
The traditional Friday spelling test only scratches the surface. Discover 10 research-backed spelling assessment formats that reveal what students actually understand about how words work.
A step-by-step guide to organizing a classroom spelling bee, from planning timelines and official rules to inclusive formats and age-appropriate word lists for grades K through 6.
Learn how to implement differentiated spelling instruction using RTI tiers, flexible grouping, and pre-assessment data so every student in your classroom gets word study at the right level.
Discover the fascinating history behind English spelling chaos - from the Norman Conquest to the Great Vowel Shift, and why knight has a silent K.
10 proven methods for practicing spelling at home, with time estimates, materials needed, and a comparison table to find the best approach for your child.
Research-backed spelling milestones from ages 4-11, with example words, red flags to watch for, and a free placement test to find your child's level.
Discover 7 proven techniques to help children who hate spelling build confidence and improve their skills, from multisensory learning to game-based practice.
Transform spelling from isolated drills to meaningful life skills. Discover how to integrate spelling practice into daily routines, making it practical, enjoyable, and more effective than traditional weekly lists.
With hundreds of spelling apps available, ranging from free to $30+ per month, how do you choose what's actually effective? This comprehensive guide compares features, costs, and educational approaches.
Your child excels in complex subjects but struggles with spelling tests. Discover the hidden reasons smart kids struggle with spelling and evidence-based solutions that actually work.
Traditional spelling tests are disappearing from many schools. Understand this significant shift in education and learn how to support your child's spelling development at home.
Your child just failed their spelling test. Don't panic. This proven 48-hour recovery plan has helped thousands of families turn spelling failures into success stories.
Understanding how children learn to spell is crucial for effective teaching. This research-based guide explores the science behind spelling acquisition and provides evidence-based strategies for supporting young learners.
Practical strategies for parents and tutors based on memory science. Learn how to transform spelling practice from frustrating repetition to lasting learning using proven memory techniques.