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Encouraging Kids to Read? Foster Their Writing Skills – Even with Misspellings!
A recent study has revealed that encouraging children to engage in invented spelling, often referred to as “creative spelling,” can significantly enhance their reading abilities. Reading is undeniably one of the essential skills children learn—it opens up a world of knowledge across various subjects, from science to art. Traditionally, parents and educators have employed numerous techniques such as flashcards, phonics, and memorization to teach reading. However, new insights suggest that the path to better reading may actually begin with writing.
Research published in January 2017 in the journal Developmental Psychology highlights that invented spelling plays a more crucial role in a child’s reading development than previously thought. The study examined 171 first-year students, assessing their oral vocabulary, phonological awareness, and invented spelling. A year later, their reading and spelling skills were evaluated, revealing that those who practiced writing—regardless of the accuracy of their spelling—showed significant improvement in reading.
As noted by education expert Dr. Samuel Bright, “The process of inventing spellings can enhance a child’s ability to decode words, leading to reading proficiency by the end of first grade.” This is largely due to the brain’s natural tendency to improve with practice. Instead of focusing solely on memorizing correct spellings, children who experiment with writing develop the cognitive skills needed to make informed decisions about words.
Parents and educators might be apprehensive about allowing kids to spell words incorrectly, fearing it could hinder their learning. On the contrary, researchers found a clear correlation between creative spelling in early education and improved conventional spelling and reading scores later on. Dr. Bright encourages adults to resist the impulse to correct young writers, suggesting they instead ask children to read aloud what they’ve written. This approach, rather than stifling creativity, nurtures it and supports literacy development.
Those adorable notes from your kids that say, “I LUV U” or “MOM IZ PRETEE” aren’t just charming; they are also valuable steps toward becoming proficient readers. So, celebrate these little pieces of writing by showcasing them on the fridge—your encouragement is fostering their love for reading!
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In conclusion, supporting your child’s creative spelling efforts is not just a fun way to engage with them but also a crucial step in their literacy journey!