A recent study reveals that playful, inventive writing (yes, that includes misspellings) can significantly boost children’s reading abilities. Reading is one of those essential skills that opens up a world of possibilities, from math to science and art. Since time immemorial, parents, educators, and researchers have explored a myriad of strategies to help little ones read – think flashcards, phonetics, and alphabet games. But guess what? The key to fostering reading skills might actually lie in something unexpected: writing!
How Does It Work?
Turns out, writing with “creative” spelling has a greater effect on a child’s reading development than just focusing on the alphabet or sight words. According to research published in the January 2017 edition of Developmental Psychology, the act of inventing spellings – rather than sticking to the dictionary – enhances a child’s reading skills. As noted by Parent.co, “While writing was once seen as a distinct skill from reading, this new study indicates that they develop together, and reading may actually depend more on writing than we previously thought.”
Involving 171 first-graders, the study assessed them on vocabulary, alphabet knowledge, phonological awareness, word reading, and, you guessed it, invented spelling. About a year later, researchers looked at their reading and spelling abilities. Encouraging kids to write frequently, even if they spell creatively – or, as my kid’s teacher puts it, “brave spelling” – is crucial for their reading journey. “Inventing spellings greatly increases the chances of cracking the reading code by the end of first grade,” says Dr. Tom Morgan, a psychologist.
The Importance of Inventive Spelling
While some parents and teachers may fret that allowing kids to spell words incorrectly might hinder their learning, researchers found the opposite to be true. They discovered a clear link from inventive spelling in kindergarten to accurate spelling and improved reading scores in first grade. Dr. Morgan suggests that instead of correcting a child’s spelling, parents should encourage them to read back what they’ve written. In other words, let’s chill a bit! That quirky spelling our kids come up with isn’t just cute; it’s a stepping stone to becoming engaged readers.
So next time you come across your child’s charming notes saying, “I LUV U” or “MOM IZ PRETEE,” remember – those little gems aren’t just adorable; they’re also a big part of your child’s reading development. Celebrating these creations and showcasing them on the fridge is a win-win!
Further Reading
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Summary
Encouraging children to write, even with creative spelling, can significantly enhance their reading skills. New research indicates that writing and reading develop concurrently, with inventive spelling playing a crucial role in literacy. Parents should embrace their child’s creative spelling instead of correcting it, as it aids in developing their reading abilities.