Try Spelling This!
Create a homemade spelling game by making letter cards and timed challenges with friends or family to practice new words and improve accuracy.
Step-by-step guide to Try Spelling This!
Step 1
Gather all your materials in one spot so you are ready to make your game.
Step 2
Cut the paper into card-sized pieces about the size of your palm.
Step 3
Write one letter on each card to make A to Z and a few extra vowels.
Step 4
Decorate the letter cards with colours and doodles to make them fun.
Step 5
Put all the finished letter cards into the small box or bag.
Step 6
Shake the box or bag to mix the letters well.
Step 7
Make a list of 10 words you want to practice and write them down.
Step 8
Pick the first player who will start the spelling challenge.
Step 9
Show the first word from your list to the player who will spell it.
Step 10
Start the timer for the round.
Step 11
The speller pulls letter cards from the box or bag.
Step 12
The speller arranges the pulled cards to spell the word before the timer stops.
Step 13
Read the arranged letters out loud to check the spelling.
Step 14
Give a point if the arranged letters match the target word.
Step 15
Share your finished spelling game on DIY.org
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can I use if I don't have a small box or palm-sized paper for the letter cards?
Use a shoebox, empty jar, envelope, or cloth pouch to hold the cards and cut cardboard from cereal boxes or old mail into palm-sized pieces to make your A to Z and extra vowels.
What should I do if players keep pulling the wrong letters or there aren't enough vowels when spelling?
If players pull wrong letters or vowels are missing, add extra vowel cards, mark duplicate letters with small dots, write letters larger and darker on the paper cards, and mix them well in the small box or bag before starting the timer.
How can I adapt this activity for different ages?
For preschoolers use fewer letters, picture cues on cards, and skip the timer while for older kids use your list of 10 longer words, shorten the timer, and award extra points for speed when they arrange the pulled cards.
How can we improve or personalize the game after making the basic set?
Decorate cards with themes that match your word list, laminate them for durability, keep a scoreboard for points across rounds, and film or photograph your finished spelling game to share on DIY.org.
Watch videos on how to Try Spelling This!
Long I: Alternate Spelling | ESL Phonics Interactive Lesson
4 Videos
Long I: Alternate Spelling | ESL Phonics Interactive Lesson
Preschool - Let's Learn Letters A B and C - Kindergarten online public and homeschool lesson
Writing, Spelling and Phonics in English for Kids | Learning the English Alphabet for Kids
Simple Spelling Splash | Word Game for Kids
Facts about spelling and early literacy
✂️ Homemade paper letter cards are super cheap to make, reusable, and perfect for group challenges at home.
⏱️ Timed spelling sprints (like 30–60 seconds) can boost recall speed and turn practice into a friendly race.
🧠 Making your own letter cards uses the 'generation effect'—creating study materials helps you remember better.
🐝 Spelling bees have been popular school contests for over a century and make practicing words exciting.
🎲 Turning learning into a game increases motivation and often helps players practice longer and retain more.
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