"For those writing by hand, there was stronger and longer-lasting recognition of the characters' proper orientation, suggesting that the specific movements memorized when learning how to write aided the visual identification of graphic shapes."
Says this article
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704631504575531932754922518.htmlIt's not the one I wish I could find, which said, "the brain remembers what the hand does". I want to say that was in a handwriting without tears sponsored article, but I can't find it right now. The Well Trained Mind suggests copying from a book well-written sentences, so you get used to writing well written sentences.
Hooked on Spelling has a piece of paper folded lengthwise in 1/3rds. You write the spelling list inside under a flap. They copy the list one word at a time on the other 1/3. Trying to look under the flap as little as possible. (a list of 5 words).
Another thing we've done is he looks at a word and spells it, then closes his eyes and spells it. (when we're better at this he'll need to spell if backwards with his eyes closed too, to cement the visual of the spelling).
A kinesthectic spelling game (sp?) involves numbering 1-10 on a list on a wall with post-it notes. Then have your kiddo run back & forth for each letter for each word in a list for word families (you'll need a phonics spelling list for this to make sense, up, supper, top, stop, hop)
http://www.spellingcity.com/spelling-curriculum.htmlWhen they get one word on the wall you say, "spell the word supper". "Now spell the word supper with your eyes closed".
We have a spelling book that was my great-great grandfathers schoolbook. Back then I guess your spelling book was just a book of lists after list, organized by word family, getting tougher as it goes. We've been playing at lessons doing the things I've described here. But I don't have him memorizing or testing him on them at the end of the week. We're just exercising his "spelling class" muscles. HtH
