Spelling for adults

Spelfabet Learning the building blocks of words - sounds, their spellings, and word parts 2 Replies Last month, the Australian Bureau of Statistics released its 2011-2012 adult literacy survey, which found that 44% of adults don’t have good enough literacy to cope with the complex reading and spelling demands of modern life.This means very little has changed since the first such survey in 1996, when 46% of adults were found to be struggling, despite the millions of dollars that have been poured into adult literacy programs since then. How depressing.Reading about the new data has motivated me to update my website’s non-word spelling tests, and add introductory videos for both adults with literacy difficulties and parents concerned about their child’s literacy.What are these tests for?There are two main types of spelling test:Standardised tests that treat spelling as a developmental skill, and are designed to determine whether a learner is keeping up or falling behind their peers. These tests yield things like Age-Equivalents, Percentiles and Standard Deviations from the Mean, and allow a learner’s skills to be compared with others their age.Non-standardised, exploratory tests that treat spelling as a learned skill, and are designed to work out what a learner knows and doesn’t know, in order to work out what they need to learn next.The Spelfabet Nonword Spelling Tests are the second type of spelling test. Each level is related to a series of free spelling lists, a workbook and some games on this website.I also plant to start working through the big resource lists under Phonics Resources, matching them to my test/lists/materials levels, so it’s easy for everyone to work out which materials are most likely to be appropriate for which learners.Why non-words?These spelling tests are composed entirely of non-words, so they expose a learner’s skills and weaknesses at two key literacy sub-skills – ability to hear sounds in words (phonemic awareness) and spelling pattern knowledge (phonics).On spelling tests made up of real words, difficulties with phonemic awareness and spelling pattern knowledge can be masked by good visual memory for whole words.What’s changed?I’ve taken out the narrative and the silly

Leading researchers and teachers in adult education and literacy studies. Authors discuss vocabulary learning and teaching strategies, online tools and perspectives on achieving digital literacy in both the US and Europe.Resources and supportAdult basic education programs are often available at local community centers or online through distance education sites. Because many adult students have busy work schedules and families to take care of, support that can be accessed at all hours and from home is particularly useful. Learn more in our post on adult basic skills.Touch-type Read and Spell is a dyslexia-friendly literacy tool that improves reading and spelling skills by teaching touch-typing. It does this in a multi-sensory and phonics-driven way that is appropriate for users of all ages, making it a family-friendly solution children can use alongside their parents. Discover literacy-based typing for adultsLearning to type reinforces sound-letter mapping skills, makes sight reading easier and improves spelling. It’s also a great way to build confidence and is a skill adults can put on their resumes.The best part about a program like TTRS is adults avoid any embarrassment that may come with a more babyish solution. They can tell friends and family they are taking the course to acquire keyboarding and computer skills.

It might be worth exploring the possibility of dyslexia or other learning disorders.A proper diagnosis can provide you with the necessary support and resources to manage your condition and improve your spelling.In some cases, spelling issues can also be a sign of a neurological condition like dementia or a brain injury. These conditions can impact cognitive function, including spelling abilities.If you’re suddenly experiencing a decline in spelling along with other cognitive symptoms, it’s important to seek medical advice to determine the underlying cause.Remember, early intervention is key in managing and treating any potential neurological issues.9. MedicationsBelieve it or not, the very medications that are supposed to help you can sometimes have the side effect of affecting your spelling.Certain medications that impact cognitive function, such as those prescribed for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or Alzheimer’s disease, can cause spelling difficulties.It’s a tricky situation. You take medication to help manage your condition, but then it throws a wrench in your ability to spell correctly.If you’ve recently started a new medication and have noticed a decline in your spelling skills, it’s worth discussing this side effect with your doctor so they can explore alternative treatments or strategies that minimize the impact on your spelling abilities.Sometimes, a simple adjustment in dosage or switching to a different medication within the same class can make a big difference.The key is to communicate any changes or challenges you’re experiencing so that your doctor can work with you to find the best solution.10. AgingLast but not least, we can’t ignore the fact that as we get older, our spelling skills might start to decline.It’s a bittersweet reality that comes with the natural aging process. The brain’s ability to remember and retrieve information, including spelling, can diminish over time.You might find that words you used to spell with ease now require a moment of thought. Complex or unfamiliar words can become particularly challenging.This is because the brain’s neural connections responsible for spelling and language processing can weaken with age.It’s not the end of the world, though. Many older adults still maintain impressive spelling abilities.And for those who do

Spelling Game is an engaging and educational tool designed to help teach children the fundamentals of spelling and letter recognition. Ideal for young ones up to age 10, this game combines fun narration with vivid imagery to make learning a delightful experience. As children interact with colorful letters, they're not only improving their spelling abilities but also enhancing their hand-eye coordination. The app's interface is user-friendly, with animated feedback and a lively voiceover providing correct pronunciations and reinforcing the words learned.Interactive Learning ExperienceAdvertisement Remove ads and more with TurboWith three distinct game modes tailored to varying levels of complexity, Spelling Game adapts to different age groups and learning stages. Children can start from basic spelling tasks and gradually move to more challenging words as they progress. The vibrant and large letters are easy to move across the screen, helping children recognize and remember the letters and the associated words more quickly. This interactive dragging aspect not only captivates their attention but also solidifies their understanding of each word through visual and auditory cues.Comprehensive Features for Young LearnersSpelling Game presents over 100 simple and popular words to learn, with promises of more content in the future. Each word is illustrated with a corresponding image, facilitating association and reinforcing vocabulary. The app supports various tablet sizes, ensuring optimal display regardless of device. Animated responses and the satisfying 'click' sound when a letter is correctly placed add to the engaging experience, keeping children engaged and entertained.A Fun Way to Enhance VocabularyBy offering a platform that perfectly blends fun with education, Spelling Game makes vocabulary building an enjoyable journey. Kids are not the only ones who will appreciate the game's appealing design—adults too will find the animations and sound effects quite delightful. It's a comprehensive tool to support your child's early learning, providing an invaluable foundation for their spelling and letter recognition skills.