Say It: Virtual Spelling

Say it: Spelling.

Say It: Digital Learning.

Spell Virtual: U-G-H

That is incorrect. The correct spelling of virtual is ...

Does that bring back fun memories of realizing you were an incompetent speller for anyone else? When I was a kid, this was my digital learning tool. But times have changed.

Here are some ways to bring your virtual word study or spelling routine up to date.

1. Flippity.net

This little website will make your students' word study practice a breeze. You can enter their word study sorts or spelling lists into a Google Sheet. Then it does all the work for you!

If you are looking to do sorts, I prefer Flippity Manipulatives where students can practice moving their words into columns. Just type in their word list and it creates the rest. You get a link that you can share with your students.

Sort Example

I also like the Flippity Spelling Words option. This will create games and spelling practice for your students. You can individualize word or spelling lists. Instant differentiation!

2. Padlet.com

If you haven't used Padlet yet for your virtual classroom, it's time to check it out! This is a great resource for Word Study. You can create the sort, share the link and watch students sort the words before your very eyes!

3. Word Study Bingo

Bingo is a great format to assign students word study and spelling practice. They will have so much fun (in theory) trying to complete the bingo board they won't even realize they're doing homework!

Want a Free Spelling Bingo board? Sign-up below!

4. Play Games

Who doesn't like to play games? There are a ton of easy Zoom games you can play on the Whiteboard feature (or less) to have students practice their words. Here is just a small list:

Hangman: We've all played this back in the day. Write the lines for the letters of the words and then guess a letter. If you guess incorrectly, you draw part of the hangman. Any creeped out by the hangman as an adult but didn't really question it as a child? Yea, me too. It seems iffy now, so instead I play CAT. I draw parts of a cat face with each missed letter. You can choose anything you like to draw. Play LLAMA or ROCKETSHIP or even MARGARITA (hey, it's 5:00 somewhere).
Pictionary: Students can take turns drawing pictures of their words and trying to guess what it is. The student that guesses correctly gets to spell the word on the whiteboard. That lucky duck.
Charades: Let the theater types in your class shine! Act out a spelling word and then have other guess. If they guess correctly, they must spell the word.
Brainstorm: How many words can students remember and write down in 2 minutes? Remember, spelling counts!

5. Use Those Breakout Rooms!

Let students who are practicing the same spelling or word study lists to meet together in breakout rooms. Have them quiz each other, play some of the games mentioned above or work on a bingo board. Then you go treat yo'self with another cup of coffee. Or that margarita. Just kidding (sort of😀🍹).

Looking for more Word Study Resources? Check out mine here: