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Does your child have trouble spelling words? Spelling, reading, and writing difficulties are quite common in kids and can be even more prevalent for kids with ADHD. Once you notice that your child needs extra help with spelling, you might wonder why that is and, perhaps more importantly, what you can do to help. The good news is that most kids will get to a place where they're more confident in spelling and related abilities with the right support.
In this article, we'll discuss what you should know about spelling challenges in kids with ADHD and practical strategies for improving their spelling skills. Then, we'll go over how to support your child at home and in the classroom.
Understanding Spelling Challenges in Children with ADHD
If your child struggles with spelling problems, you aren't on your own. It may seem unrelated, but it is quite common for ADHD kids to experience difficulty spelling. While there are different types of ADHD, the condition can lead to additional challenges with learning any subject, including language arts, regardless. There are reasons for this, and once you understand them, you may find that you're better suited to help your kids reach their full potential. With that said, difficulties learners with ADHD can face include but aren't limited to the following.
Differences in working memory
Research shows that ADHD is associated with impairments in working memory. In fact, very large magnitude impairments in central executive working memory are seen in the majority of pediatric ADHD cases. Working memory allows us to hold small pieces of information for a short time period - for example, the ability to retain instructions long enough to execute a task at school. It makes sense that deficits in this area could lead to trouble learning to spell.
ADHD symptoms
Various ADHD symptoms can make spelling harder. Attention difficulties can make it hard to focus on writing, reading, and spelling activities both in and outside of school. Similarly, hyperactivity and impulsivity symptoms can make sitting through lessons, quiet reading time, or other relevant activities tough.
Learning disabilities
People with ADHD are significantly more likely to have a learning disability like Dyslexia. If that is the case for your child, symptoms of dyslexia may affect spelling, reading, and related skills.
Due to these challenges, traditional spelling instruction may not be effective for children with ADHD. How you teach spelling skills makes a difference, and there are ways to help kids with ADHD overcome spelling difficulties with the right approach.
Practical Strategies for Improving Spelling in Children with ADHD
Spelling activities that work for your child's brain can make a world of difference. Use these creative and practical strategies to help with any word on your child's spelling list.
Multisensory approaches to learning
Kids with ADHD often respond well to more engaging approaches to learning. Using multisensory approaches can help keep a child's attention and make them feel more interested in spelling activities. Try these ideas with any word on your child's spelling list.
Visual aids
Is your child a visual learner? Do they enjoy art or find visual representation helpful? If so, you can use this to your advantage as you work on their written language skills. Instruct your child to try one of the following activities that use visual aids or components:
- Write words in the sand. You can buy an item created for this purpose, like the Word Formation Sand Tray, online, find one in stores, or make your own.
- Write words on paper in white crayons. Then, use watercolors to paint over and reveal the letters.
- Spell words with letter pasta, cookies, or cereal.
- Use flashcards or posters created to help kids with spelling.
- Write words and letters with sidewalk chalk.
- Spell using letter magnets on the fridge.
- Spell words with letter blocks.
These are just some examples. Get creative and make it fun!
Movement and tactile activities
ADHD kids often benefit from activities that involve movement or touch. Especially if your child's "always on the go" and they have little interest in assignments where they have to sit still, movement and tactile activities can be very helpful. For example:
- Have your child jump while they spell a word aloud (one jump per letter).
- Challenge your child to make the shape of each letter with their body as they spell a word (e.g., holding arms out so that they make the letter "K").
- Instruct your child to "write" words in the air with their finger, one letter at a time.
- Use songs and dances that teach kids to spell words.
- Spell words on the wall with a laser pointer.
Some of the visual activities we discussed incorporate movement, so consider those as well.
Break words into manageable chunks
You can use a technique called "chunking" to make a spelling word easier for your child to learn. "Chunking" refers to breaking spelling words down into smaller "chunks" or syllables.
To do this, have your child sound out a word in syllables first. For example, they'd say "com-pu-ter" for "computer." Kids can clap for each syllable to make it more fun. Once they sound it out, teach your child to spell the word one correctly, one syllable at a time. So, you might work on "C-O-M" first, then "P-U," and finally "T-E-R."
When your child has each chunk down, show them how to combine the chunks and spell the word in one piece: "C-O-M. P-U. T-E-R."
Use technology to support spelling
Technology can be a great learning tool for kids with or without attention difficulties. Consider the following to help your child learn to spell and find enjoyment in doing so.
Spelling apps
Many kids respond well to resources like educational apps and games. There are a ton of apps on the market made to promote spelling skills in people of all ages, from kids who haven't yet reached grade school to high school students and adults.
Click here to read about some of our top picks for children's spelling apps!
Speech-to-text software
Speech-to-text software is an important accessibility tool for many people, and it can help students who struggle with spelling words learn. Help your child use the speech-to-text (also called "diction") on a phone or tablet, and they will see the words they say spelled on the screen. Sit with your child during this activity to help them pick out and correct mistakes.
Some spelling apps and games for kids incorporate speech-to-text or text-to-speech functions, and since they are created to help children learn, they may be ideal.
Supporting Your Child at Home
Alongside designated time for spelling practice, parents can support their kids at home in many ways. You might be surprised to find how much the following small changes can help your child spell, write, and read.
Create a consistent study routine with Joon
Joon is a to-do app and game designed uniquely for kids with ADHD ages 6-12+. Using Joon is a great way to help your child practice spelling, complete school work, or finish other daily routines and tasks, like chores or personal hygiene activities. Here's how it works:
Parents sign up first with Joon Parent App and create their child's to-do list. Kids connect with a separate app called Joon Pet Game. Once kids finish their tasks, they get rewards in the game that allow them to care for a cute virtual pet of their choice. You can add as many tasks to your child's to-do list as you want, and it is fully customizable.
Joon is rated an average of 4.7 stars in the App Store, with over 4k ratings total. Even better, 90% of children who use the app finish all of their tasks.
Click here to claim your free trial today.
Encourage reading and writing
Reading and writing regularly can help teach kids how to spell words correctly while promoting reading comprehension and other abilities. Make reading and writing time part of your child's schedule throughout the week.
Depending on your child's age, you may plan to read aloud to them, take turns reading passages aloud, or let kids read independently. Whether your child prefers comics, magazines, or something else, any reading materials work.
Incorporate spelling into everyday activities
One of the best ways to teach spelling or any other skills kids have trouble with, like math, is to incorporate practice into daily life activities. Fitting spelling practice into everyday activities works because it takes the pressure off and feels less like a "lesson." Here are some ideas:
- Have children write grocery lists
- Write letters, emails, or cards to family members and friends
- Play MadLibs (or another game that requires writing) and spell words aloud to ensure correct spelling
This is by no means an extensive list of everyday spelling opportunities. You can also teach kids to write checks, fill out paperwork, or do something else. Some of these double as opportunities to practice handwriting, which is a bonus if that's something your child's also working on.
Supporting Your Child in the Classroom
Parents can take steps to ensure that their child's spelling skills and needs are supported in the classroom. Alongside talking with your child about their educational experience and taking any concerns they have into account, follow these steps to empower your child at school.
Communicate with your child's teacher
It is important to communicate with your child's teacher regularly. Together, you can create an action plan to help your child catch up if they're behind, discuss what works and what doesn't for your child's learning, share wins, and talk through obstacles.
Explore accommodations and modifications
Children with ADHD, a learning disability like dyslexia, and many other concerns are eligible for accommodations and modifications at school that support their learning. Extra help or changes to lessons, supportive tools (like a digital recorder), and testing or seating modifications are just some examples of what might help your child.
Advocate for your child's needs
Advocate for your child's needs, make sure that the school is sticking to them, and be persistent with your requests for accommodations. When it comes to getting a 504 plan for your child or meeting any of your child's other needs at school, know that it’s common for parents to hear "no" before you hear "yes." Keep collaborating with staff and looking for solutions.
Conclusion
ADHD kids may be more prone to challenges with spelling words and other written language skills. However, it's possible to overcome these difficulties and catch up. Parents can help their kids develop the spelling, writing, and reading knowledge they need to succeed in their school years and beyond. Use the tips and strategies in this article to promote spelling skills in kids, and don't hesitate to reach out for extra help if you need it.
About
Sarah Schulze MSN, APRN, CPNP
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