How can I get my 6 year old to spell?

[mamaofficer]

He is having trouble remembering his spelling words. I have him write each words 5 time each. When given the quiz, he cannot remember anything. He's in the 1st grade, any advice will help.

[VeronicaTex]

Thank you so much for your input as a Mother of a child that has ADHD.

This strategy is excellent!!!!

The proof  is in what you say about the success that your children have had using this method. 

Veronica-Former Elementary teacher-Bilingual/ESL Public and Catholic Schools-21 years

Quoting kmrtigger:

I have a son that has ADHD. We used to do the rainbow writing for practice when he was in preschool and kindergarten. Then when he went into 1st grade we changed it up...

What we do is on:

the 1st day they get the list is write them 10 times each.

the 2nd day write 5 times each.

the 3rd day write 3 times each and write a sentance using the word.

the 4th day a practice test. Any missed words are written 5 times each.

We also go over the list the 1st day and sound each one out. And we look up the definition together. And during any reading assignments I have him point out the words if he see them in the book.

So far none of my 3 boys have missed a word on the spelling test yet. Not even the bonus words they are given. They sound it out first.

Maybe make a song for each letter of the word.

[hollydaze1974]

Mellow out a little. He may have test anxiety, it's common. email his teacher, ask how the tests are given. Is there any accomodations at all she can make? can she give him more time? Are you having him verbally spell them during the week? Hearing the phonics in a word may help. That's how I learned.

[countrycat71]

In my kids classes they did a thing called step-spelling. You write the word going like stairs, one letter for each level then adding the next letter as you go down. Like this.
H
Ho
Hom
Home
Do you see what I mean?
It is supposed to help them with repeating it and the visualization is my guess. Try it and see if it helps.
Good luck.

[tennisgal]

that's great that the teacher recognized this. my 5yo (homeschooled) gets very fidgety towards the middle of a co-op class. his teacher quietly hands him a handful of playdough that he rolls around his fingers and in his hands (discreetly) and he does much better concentrating for the last little bit of class. 

Quoting mamaofficer:

I told her when we went to open house, her response was, "I will keep him busy".