I often get asked for advice on how to help children learn their spellings. Some parents explain that spelling homework can turn evenings into a battle. You want to help, your child ‘does their homework’, yet the words just don’t seem to stick.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. For children with dyslexia, learning to spell can be especially challenging. However, it is possible for spelling practice to become calmer, shorter, enjoyable and effective.
Why spelling is hard for children with dyslexia
Spelling relies on a set of underlying skills that dyslexia can affect:
Phonological awareness involves recognising and manipulating the sounds in words. If a child struggles to hear the separate sounds in stamp or train, it’s harder to link those sounds to letters.
Memory for sequences. Spelling isn’t just about remembering letters, it’s also remembering them in the correct order. This draws heavily on a child’s working memory, which is often less efficient for dyslexic learners.
Linking sound to symbol. English spelling is complex. The same sound can be written in many ways (think rain, day, cake), and dyslexic children can find these patterns inconsistent and confusing.
Because of this, spelling demands intense concentration and effort. By the end of a long school day filled with reading, writing and decoding words, many children are already running on empty.
Understanding after-school fatigue
Dyslexic children often use much more mental energy than their peers to do the same classroom tasks. They are decoding, re-checking and self-monitoring all day long.
So, when they come home, they may not have much left in the tank. This isn’t laziness. It’s cognitive fatigue.
That’s why timing matters. Expecting focused spelling practice right after school can be overwhelming. Instead, give your child time to unwind first and let them enjoy a snack, some outdoor play or quiet relaxation before starting homework.
Little and often works best
Short, regular bursts of practice are far more effective than a single long session.
Five minutes every day (or even three minutes, twice a day) helps information move from short-term to long-term memory.
Regular review is key too: revisiting words learned last week helps them “stick”.
Try setting a calm, predictable routine. For example:
Monday–Thursday: five-minute practice before tea.
Friday: quick review game of all the week’s words.
This predictability builds confidence and keeps practice manageable.
Make spelling multisensory and fun!
Spelling doesn’t have to mean pencil and paper. Children learn best when they see, say, hear, and feel the words.
Here are some multisensory ideas to try:
Say it and shape it – say each sound aloud while building the word with magnetic letters or letter tiles.
Sky writing – write the word in the air using large arm movements while saying the letters aloud.
Textured writing – trace the word in sand, rice, or shaving foam; this tactile feedback helps memory.
Colour coding – highlight tricky parts in a different colour (for example, the igh in light).
Rhymes and stories – turn difficult words into mini stories (“There’s a rat in separate”).
Movement games – jump or clap for each syllable or letter to bring rhythm and energy to learning.
Apps and games – some spelling apps offer interactive, phonics-based activities that make practice feel like play.
Let your child choose which method they want to use. Giving them some control over their learning can make a big difference.
For more ideas and advice, see my Supporting Spelling Learning handout.
Keep perspective and encourage effort
Progress may be slow, and that’s okay. Celebrate the small steps, such as remembering a pattern, getting one more word right or using a spelling correctly in writing.
Above all, protect your relationship. It’s better to stop after three minutes on a good note than push through 30 minutes of frustration.
Let your child know that dyslexia doesn’t define their intelligence or potential. It just means they learn differently.
A final thought
Spelling success isn’t about rote memorisation; it’s about understanding patterns, using all the senses and practising in short, positive bursts.
With your calm encouragement and a few creative strategies, spelling homework can become less of a struggle and more of an opportunity for small, steady wins.
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