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English is an incredibly complex language with multiple spelling patterns for each phoneme (sound). Many of these have to be learned, as so-called spelling 'rules' are not applied in all cases. In fact, when you consider how many differing spellings there are for each sound, it almost seems futile that we try and teach them at all! Yet teach them we must. The only way we learn is through ongoing exposure to and practice of writing each word. This is why your child starts coming home, normally in around Year 3, with spellings.
The problem is the way in which these spellings are sometimes taught. It is not enough to be given a list of spellings to learn; there is no point in learning one week a series of spellings which are not going to be used. They will be quickly forgotten. Spelling should be words which are reasonably common, which will be useful in the child's writing, and - most importantly - which they understand. I have lost count of the times that I have asked children what a spelling they have been given means, only for them to either guess a definition or to tell me that they have no idea. How can they be expected to retain the spelling of the word when they are not able to use it due to lack of understanding?
This is where you, as a parent, come in. Look at your child's weekly spellings with them. Talk about them. Discuss the meanings of the words. Put them into sentences. This simple step will improve their vocabulary and help them to progress faster.
