Blog posts
The spelling differences between British English and American English sometimes trip learners up. In this blog post, we'll explore six words that are spelt differently in the UK and the US.
Colour vs. Color
The American English spelling of this word drops the letter u.
Other examples of this spelling difference:
Honour (British) vs. Honor (American)
Flavour (British) vs. Flavor (American)
Labour (British) vs. Labor (American)
Theatre vs. Theater
This word is spelt with an re in British spelling and an er in American English.
Other examples of this spelling difference:
Metre (British) vs. Meter (American)
Centre (British) vs. Center...
read more
Dyslexia presents unique challenges when it comes to spelling, but with the right strategies and support, dyslexic learners can overcome obstacles and improve their spelling skills.
Here are our top spelling tips for dyslexic learners:
Use Multi-sensory Techniques:
Engage multiple senses in spelling practice to reinforce learning. Try reading aloud or tracing letters with your finger while saying them aloud. Multi-sensory approaches will help encode and retain spelling patterns more effectively.
Written by a dyslexia expert, Spellzone follows the principles of multi-sensory teaching: using sound, sight and movement to teach spellings and to fix them in the mind. A variety...
read more
Multilingual households are culturally and linguistically rich, but they also present distinct challenges when it comes to spelling. By understanding these challenges and employing effective strategies, multilingual individuals can navigate the complexities of English spelling with greater ease and confidence.
In this blog post, we will explore the unique spelling challenges faced by multilingual households and share effective strategies to enhance spelling proficiency in diverse linguistic environments.
Potential Spelling Challenges in Multilingual Households
Borrowed Words: Words borrowed from one language to another often retain their original spelling, which may not...
read more
Teaching spelling to adults requires a thoughtful and tailored approach that acknowledges unique learning styles, experiences, and motivations. In this blog post, we will explore effective strategies for teaching spelling to adult learners:
Integrate Technology
As an online spelling resource, Spellzone leverages technology to make learning spelling flexible and convenient for learners of all ages. Adult learners have the freedom to set their own pace as they work on personalised learning pathways on any device. Spellzone is both adaptable and accessible, making it suitable for learners of all abilities including those with dyslexia.
Assess Spelling Needs
...
read more
Spelling tests are a common assessment tool used by teachers to gauge students' proficiency and progress. While students may experience stress or anxiety during such tests, effective strategies can help alleviate these feelings and improve performance.
Here are our top strategies to help students excel in spelling tests:
Preparation Strategies:
Study Regularly: Encourage students to study spelling words consistently over a longer period instead of cramming them all in at the last minute. Regular practice helps reinforce memory and familiarity with the words.
Break Words into Chunks: For longer or more challenging words, teach students to break them down...
read more
Limiting myths and misconceptions about spelling can lead to students to believe they will never improve. It’s time to set the record straight! In today's blog post, we'll debunk these myths and show you how to take your spelling to the next level.
Myth 1: ‘You're Either Born a Good Speller or You're Not.’
Reality: While some individuals may have a natural inclination towards spelling, it's a skill that can be developed through practice and learning. Rather than from an innate talent, strong spelling skills come from understanding spelling patterns and consistent practice. Spellzone’s learning pathways – bespoke for...
read more
Welcome to Spellzone! As a parent or teacher, you know that helping students with spelling homework can sometimes feel like a challenge. In this blog post, we'll explore some creative ideas for spelling homework that will keep students motivated and excited about learning.
Create Spelling Word Art: Encourage students to transform their spelling words into works of art. Write each word in a different font or style, then decorate the page with illustrations or designs related to its meaning. This activity will allow students to tap into their creativity while also reinforcing spelling skills.
Spelling Scavenger Hunt: Turn spelling practice into an adventure by...
read more
Language is a versatile tool for self-expression and allows individuals to convey their thoughts, emotions, and identities in diverse ways. Our word choices not only reflect our linguistic abilities but also play a crucial role in shaping how we are perceived by others. In this blog post, we will delve into the intricate relationship between spelling and self-expression, while also examining the delicate balance between individuality and adherence to standard English conventions.
The Power of Words:
Words hold immense power to convey meaning, evoke emotions, and shape perceptions. As we communicate with others, the words we choose become a reflection of our unique identities and...
read more
In today's digital age, emails and online messaging have become the norm for professional and personal communication. This means good spelling is essential. Your written words often demonstrate your professionalism, attention to detail, and credibility.
Here are some top tips to ensure your spelling shines in email and online communication:
Proofread, Then Proofread Again
Before hitting send, take a moment to proofread your message carefully. Look out for any common spelling errors, typos, or autocorrect mishaps that might have slipped through the cracks. A second pair of eyes can also be invaluable in catching mistakes you might have missed.
Use...
read more
In today's fast-paced and competitive professional landscape, strong communication skills are essential for career advancement. While many focus on verbal communication and presentation skills, written communication, particularly spelling proficiency, is often overlooked. However, mastering spelling can significantly impact your career prospects and set you apart from the competition. Join us as we explore how improving your spelling can be a catalyst for career growth and development.
The Importance of Spelling in the Workplace
Effective communication is the cornerstone of success in any profession. Spelling errors in emails, reports, presentations, and other written...
read more
Spelling is the foundation of effective communication, but it can also be a source of frustration for many students. Fortunately, understanding a few key spelling rules can significantly enhance your ability to spell words correctly. Join us as we explore the top five spelling rules that every student should know- you’ll be a confident and proficient speller in no time!
The Magic Silent ‘E’
One of the most iconic spelling rules involves the magic of the silent ‘e’. When a word ends with a consonant followed by the letter ‘e’, not only is the ‘e’ is usually silent, but it also affects the pronunciation of the preceding vowel by...
read more
In the world of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), precision is paramount. Whether you're a student, researcher, or enthusiast, mastering the spelling of scientific terms is essential for effective communication and comprehension. Join us as we explore spelling in STEM and discover strategies for tackling complex scientific words with confidence.
Understanding Scientific Terminology:
Scientific terminology may seem like a labyrinth of letters and symbols, but fear not! Many scientific words derive from Latin or Greek roots, which provide clues to their pronunciation and spelling. By breaking down these words into their constituent parts, you can unlock their...
read more
In today's digital age, spellcheckers and grammar correction tools offer quick fixes for our writing oversights. Though these automated tools are helpful, relying solely on them can sometimes lead to overlooked mistakes and missed opportunities for improvement.
In this blog post, we'll explore the art of manual proofreading and share effective techniques for spotting spelling errors.
The Limitations of Spellcheckers
While spellcheckers are invaluable tools for catching many spelling errors, they have their limitations. Here are a few common scenarios where spellcheckers may fall short:
Technical Jargon: Spellcheckers may struggle with specialised terminology or...
read more
English is a language known for its quirks and irregularities, making it a challenging to learn. For ESL (English as a Second Language) learners, navigating the intricacies of English spelling can be particularly daunting. However, by understanding common pitfalls and employing effective strategies, ESL learners can overcome spelling challenges and enhance their language skills.
Silent Letter Strategies
Silent letters add an extra layer of complexity to English spelling. These letters appear in the spelling, but they are not pronounced.
TIP: When you learn words with silent letters, use the Look, Say, Cover, Write, Check spelling activity. Click on the speaker to hear the word...
read more
Introduction to Irregular Verbs
Irregular verbs can be tricky. Unlike regular verbs, which follow predictable patterns when conjugated, irregular verbs have unique forms that don't conform to standard rules.
In this guide, we'll focus on their past simple and past participle forms to help you wield them with confidence.
Crack the Code: Past Simple and Past Perfect Tenses Explained
Before we dive into some spelling patterns, let's break down two important verb tenses: the past simple and the past perfect.
The past simple tense is used to talk about actions that happened in the past.
For example:
She ran five miles.
We went to the shop.
They ate...
read more
Would you like to launch a spelling bee competition for your school, academy trust, or school district? Spellzone's multiplayer function allows you to effortlessly host spelling bee competitions to engage students while supporting spelling development. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of setting up and executing a spelling bee event using Spellzone. Whether you're aiming to showcase your school's top spellers or foster friendly competition between schools, Spellzone will ensure your event runs seamlessly.
Let’s get started…
Enabling Multiplayer Games on Your Spellzone Account
Before diving into your competition, make sure multiplayer games...
read more
Understanding the Role of Silent Letters in Spelling
Have you ever noticed that some letters in English words don’t seem to be pronounced when spoken aloud? These silent letters, though tricky to navigate, are an essential part of English spelling.
In this guide, we'll delve into the world of silent letters, exploring common patterns, understanding the historical context, and learning practical tips. By the end, you'll be equipped with the knowledge and skills to master silent letters with confidence.
Tip 1: Learn Common Spelling Patterns
Common silent letters in English include: k, w, b, t, l, n, h, g, and p. You can use the letters than come...
read more
Understanding Homophones: Your Key to Confident Spelling
Homophones, words that share similar sounds but differ in meanings and spellings, pose a challenge for many English learners. Whether you're a student striving for academic excellence, a professional aiming for clear communication, or simply someone eager to improve your language skills, mastering homophones is crucial.
In this detailed guide, we'll delve into the intricacies of homophones, providing you with spelling strategies and practice word lists to become proficient in identifying and using homophones accurately.
Exploring Spellzone's Homophone Guides
Spellzone offers an extensive archive of homophone...
read more
Learning English spelling might feel a bit like navigating a maze, especially when getting ready for a spelling bee. Whether you're a student gearing up for your school spelling bee or dreaming of taking part in a bigger competition, we're here to help. In this easy-to-follow guide, we'll share practical strategies, helpful tips, and interactive spelling lists to make sure you're well-prepared for the challenge.
Understanding the Basics: What is a Spelling Bee?
Let's start with the basics. A spelling bee is a competition where participants are asked to spell a broad selection of words, ranging from everyday vocabulary to more challenging terms. The goal is to test...
read more
February is coming to a close, and this month we shared some handy spelling tips for both language learners and teachers. Whether you're navigating the intricacies of English vocabulary or perfecting your heartfelt expressions, our February blogs are here to support your educational journey with fresh perspectives. Let's recap the highlights of the month.
1) Essential Word Lists for ESL Learners: Mastering English Vocabulary
If you're on the journey of learning English, building a strong vocabulary is key. In this post, we curated three essential word lists tailored for ESL learners. From everyday basics to tricky homophones and advanced vocabulary, these lists are designed...
read more
