Spelling words. Not always a fun subject for kids or teachers. That’s why I love to collect and share hands-on spelling ideas and spelling tools to freshen things up a bit.
While we focus on word patterns in phonics each week, my kids also learn new sight words. And this year, we’re starting off with a fun Tic-Tac-DO Spelling Words Board! This activity board has already helped my kids be more independent in their spelling each day.
I’m all about letting kids have choices whenever possible. This helps kids feel in control of their learning and more motivated, too. Both GOOD things!
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Tic-Tac-Do Spelling Words Board
Included on the Tic-Tac-Do Spelling Board {free download found towards the END of this post} are 9 different activities that kids can do with their spelling words. I am including all the activities below in a list with links to the spelling manipulatives we have and LOVE.
- Spell your words with letter beads. {We slide beads onto pipe cleaners.}
- Write your words in ABC order. {My younger kids can use an alphabet puzzle, if needed.}
- Spell your words with bottle cap letters. {A favorite frugal teaching supply.}
- Rainbow write your words. Use at least 3 colors for each word.
- Write your words in a fancy way. You could even try cursive.
- Spell your words with letter tiles.
- Write the consonants in blue and the vowels in red.
- Spell your words with magnetic letters. {They also use our magnetic construction letters for this one.}
- FREE Choice– My kids can ask to play a game with me, like Word Bump!, Roll & Write Sight Words, or any of the store-bought spelling games we have.
They can use our Wikki Stix, sticky notes, or maybe they just want to repeat an activity they’ve already done on the chart. My son even likes to combine them. So, he may rainbow write one word, write one in cursive, etc.
Note: The free download has three options for boards. 1- A full color board, 2- a black and white board, and 3- a blank board for you to jot down your own ideas.
To make it all more manageable, I have a special bin in our schoolroom labeled “spelling drawer” that is easy to access. Most everything inside is in plastic baggies, but we have plenty of containers they like to pour them in when they are using them.
I do not require that my kids write their words every time they choose a spelling activity that has them using manipulatives, but you absolutely could if you need an accountability piece. My kiddos each have a simple word notebook that they use for sight words and word study.
Once students have completed a task, they cross it off their Tic-Tac-Do Board. I laminated our boards with my favorite laminator {which I have now dropped twice from the top of the bookshelf and it’s still going!} so my kids can re-use them week after week.
{Download the Tic-Tac-Do Spelling Board HERE.}
Thank you! There are so many helpful things on your site. I am just starting out in my teaching career. Can you recommend where to buy the manipulatives that you put in your spelling drawer? Our school is on a tight budget and I have had to set up a classroom with pretty much no money. Where do you shop and find the best prices? Thank you so much.
Most of the items I bought at a teacher store or Amazon, but I’ve found items like this at the $1 store or the $1 bins at Target, too!
Becky, I am finding that many students stay in the Within Word Level for a long time. I understand why, but am wondering, do I keep working with students at this level until they master it? Or do you move on? I think I know the answer, but am wondering what you would recommend. Thanks!!