Often the spelling of words is forced upon the child before he has properly mastered the alphabet. This is the cause of much poor spelling, much guessing in the primary grades. Before a child is allowed to spell orally he should be absolutely sure of the name of every letter, and he should be able to recognize and name it at sight. Before he is allowed to write one word in a dictated spelling lesson, the pupil should be able to write any letter of the alphabet from dictation. This means that the real study of spelling should not be undertaken until the middle of the first year or later.
Be sure that your pupils know their letters before beginning spelling. Following are some suggestions for alphabet drills. Use any that you think helpful.
Alphabet Drills
1. Have pupils read the alphabet in order, pointing to each letter as it is named.
2. Have pupils point to the letters in any order as you call them.
In this drill teach them the approximate place of the letters, that is, to look for a, d, c, f, near the beginning; j, n, k, o, near the middle; t, v, w, near the end.
3. Ask such questions as, “What letter comes after m? n? d? t?”
4. Consonant Drills.
(a) Call a letter and have pupils give the sound.
(b) Sound a letter and have pupils give the name.