Focus K-2: “Dice Spelling”
Strategy for spelling or sight word practice
Shared by Nancy Updegraff for Intervention Ideas
The following lesson explains the key concept of “Dice Spelling” practice. Students can work independently on the words they need practice with or this can be used in a whole group. Modeling the strategy for the student is recommended. Please keep in mind this is an “intervention” strategy and may not be needed by all students. Once students know the process of dice spelling, they can do this for individualized words appropriate to their own personalize growth. (ie, give them a list of words that THEY need, different for everyone.)
Brain Training: The concept is only effective if different colors are utilized and the students “cross” over to the opposite sides of the paper to utilize both sides of the brain for learning/memorizing.
Materials Needed:
Markers, Crayons, Paint (5 colors)
Paper, White Board, Index Card (Any writing surface will work for this.)
Procedure:
Student:
1. Chooses a word to practice. (Spelling word or Sight word)
2. Writes the word in the top left corner in 1st color.
3. Switches a color and then writes the word in the opposite, lower right corner.
4. Switches color and writes the word in the top right corner.
5. Switches color and writes the word in the lower, left corner.
6. Switches color and writes the word in the center.
(When done – it will look like a 5 of a die, hence the term “dice” spelling. Saying the letters or sounds as they write each word helps even more! )
This is a great independent “word study” activity with white boards and markers for struggling readers/spellers. It also works great in “word work” stations/spelling word practice.