Do you remember growing up with a weekly spelling list? I do and for the most part my kids did too. But then it seems spelling stopped being required in school. It wasn’t tested on standardized tests, so schools stopped requiring it. In many districts it might be up to the teacher to decide whether or not to have weekly spelling lists for kids.
I am one of those parents that believes spelling skills are something all kids need. I know spell check exists, but there’s something to be said for being able to still write out our thoughts, stories, and letters on paper where spell check doesn’t exist. You also can’t take advantage of spell check if you can’t get close enough to the correct spelling of the word for it to recognize what you’re trying to spell. With our Jersey Classroom, I am creating weekly fun spelling lists for kids.
The inspiration for these fun spelling lists come from things kids like to do and places they like to go, especially in New Jersey. Each week will have a different theme like playgrounds, beaches, camping, amusement parks, and more.
Fun Spelling Lists for Kids
Beginning September 1, 2020, I will begin sharing fun spelling lists for kids themed around places kids like to go, especially in New Jersey. There will be a different spelling list for each school week, until December 21, 2020. From December 19, 2020 till January 1, 2021 no new lists will be posted. We’ll be taking a winter break and encourage you all to do so as well. The spelling lists will be back on January 4, Mondays through Fridays, until January 29, 2021. Depending on what is happening with our schools and the popularity of our spelling lists, we may continue on beyond that.
This week’s fun spelling list for kids
Our theme for Week 5’s spelling list for kids is the boardwalk
- games
- go carts
- mini golf
- benches
- signs
- fudge
- popcorn
- teenagers
- bikes
- boardwalk
- tram car
- funnel cake
- ice cream
- arcade
- restaurants
- mural
- tourists
- ocean
- surrey
- seagulls
Download this week’s spelling list as a printable with space for kids to trace and write the spelling words in print.
Use this spelling printable below when you are ready to test your child on their spelling skills.
These worksheets were created with Canva software. It’s easy to use. If you need to create your own printable items check out Canva with my affiliate link.
What New Jersey Learning Standards are met by practicing spelling?
The following New Jersey Learning Standards are tied to spelling skills:
- NJSLSA.L2
For grades fourth through sixth, these progress indicators are tied to spelling:
- L.4.2
- L.5.2
- L.6.2
5 Ways to help kids study these fun spelling words
Join the Jersey Classroom
Every week members of the Jersey Classroom Head of the Class plan get 4 different printables to help their children practice their spelling skills with the week’s spelling words.
If you’ve missed our previous week(s)’ spelling lists or don’t want to have to visit our site each week for the latest spelling list for kids take a look at our Jersey Classroom options. By choosing one of three plans, you’ll be able to have access to past and future spelling lists by either visiting a closed Facebook group OR having access to your own online classroom where lists and spelling worksheets will be uploaded and stored for your use. I’m creating and uploading new spelling lists each week and practice worksheets and printables each school day.
Play Games
Play a board game or other family game that builds spelling skills. Some of my favorites include Scrabble, Wordical, WordSpiel, Bananagrams, Quiddler, Scrabble Junior and Upwords. All are available on Amazon with my affiliate link.
- Scrabble (I like this one because the tiles can be locked into place and don’t shift all over the board.)
- Wordical
- WordSpiel
- Bananagrams, read our Bananagrams review and tips for playing.
- Quiddler
- Scrabble Junior
- Upwords
You can also use old school games to teach spelling. Play hide and seek with the spelling words written on cards around the house. Don’t forget to leave a few misspelled cards around to test their skills. How about Simon Says spell…?
Draw pictures
Have your kids make pictures using their spelling words. They can either write out the words in bubble letters with pictures inside or create pictures using the words.
3 X Each
Remember when we had spelling in school? Our teachers would make us write spelling words out three to five times each. Yes, it might have been boring, but it worked. Have your kids do the same thing. You can make it more fun by giving them special colors or markers to write each word out. For an extra layer of difficulty, have them write their words in cursive.
Shape it out
Another way to get kids engaged with spelling and practicing their words is to let them shape it out. Get out a box of noodles or box of Legos, break out the play-dough or head to a sand box or the beach. Kids can shape out noodles, building blocks or play-dough to spell their words. They can also trace out each spelling word in the sand or dirt.
Other resources to build spelling skills in kids
- Spelling for Minecrafters workbooks on Amazon. (Affiliate link)
- Get your kids a recent Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary (Affiliate link)
More coming soon.
More resources for homeschooling and virtual learning in New Jersey
If you are new or have been homeschooling for years or are trying out virtual learning for the first time, we’re here to help. Click over to learn more about the Jersey Classroom, our way of providing free printables and educational worksheets for New Jersey students. Not in New Jersey? While these printables and worksheets are themed for kids in New Jersey they can be a great resource for any kids who like to have fun.
