In this blog post, courtesy of Achievers Unlimited, Inc., we’re taught how closely linked spelling and movement are.
Learning to spell, a child visualizes the movements necessary to reproduce the letters that combine to form a specific word. First, the child pictures his hand forming letters; then, he speaks the letters while writing them. As the child’s skill of visualization develops, he no longer needs the movements or auditory input to visualize the whole word.
Parents can provide the movement patterns that will increase a child’s skill level to reach the gestalt of learning.For example, a child who experiences difficulty with spelling is demonstrating an inability to visualize words.
Adding body movement patterns – such as dribbling – to the homework routine will speed up the learning process because the brain can automate the body movements. Movement in the body allows the entire activity of spelling to move to the subconscious in less time. As the child gains control over his body, he can spend more energy on learning to spell.
GRADE
TYPE OF BALL
BOUNCE/DRIBBLE for EACH LETTER
SPELLING OUT LOUD
K
Playground ball
Bounce and catch ball with 2 hands.
(Parent writes the word on. large piece of paper.) Spell word forward. Spell word backward. Ask, “What letter comes before/after the letter _?”
1
Tennis ball
Bounce ball with right hand, catch ball with left hand. Bounce ball with left hand, catch ball with right hand.
(Parent writes the word on large piece of paper.) Spell word forward. Spell word backward. Ask, “What letter comes before/after the letter _?”
2
Tennis ball
Dribble ball with alternating hands.
Visualize the word. Spell word forward. Spell word backward. Ask, “What letter comes before/after the letter _?”
3
Tennis ball
Dribble ball in pattern: 2x with right hand, 1x with left hand.
Visualize the word. Spell word forward. Spell word backward. Ask, “What letter comes before/after the letter _?”
4
1 1/2″ diameter
Dribble ball in pattern: 3x with left hand, 2x with right hand.
Visualize the word. Spell word forward. Spell word backward. Ask, “What letter comes before/after the letter _?”
5-6
1″ super bouncer
Dribble in patterns of 3s: 1x right, 2x left, 3x right. 1x left, 2x right, 3x left.
Visualize the word. Spell word forward. Spell word backward. Ask, “What letter comes before/after the letter _?”
7-8
1″ super bouncer
Dribble in patterns of 3s: 1x right, 2x left, 3x right. 1x left, 2x right, 3x left.
Visualize the word. Spell word forward. Spell word backward. Ask, “What letter comes before/after the letter _?”
From Fields of Vision, published six times a year by Achievers Unlimited, Inc. www.achieverswisconsin.org
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