SOS Spelling Method

This method of learning spelling is called the SOS method - Simultaneous Oral Spelling. Dr. Lynette Bradley at Oxford University has shown that this method is almost twice as effective as simple writing or repetition. SOS is a multi-sensory learning method. When your child uses the SOS method, he/she is using all sensory channels to learn how to spell new words. He/she is using visual, auditory and motor/movement channels to take in the spelling pattern of the new target word. Your child is also using his/her intelligence to check that they have not jumbled the order of letters by mistake. The SOS method also involves over learning. Each word is practised for 3 days in a row. This helps your child remember each new word he/she learns. The method is slow. Only 10 new words can be learned per week. However, it is effective.

SOS Spelling Method

Set aside a 10 minute period each day for helping your child with spelling. Spelling lists should be short; no more than 5 words. The same spelling list should be worked on for 3 night in a row. This means that no more than 10 new words can be learned in a week. Follow the routine described for each word.

1. Write the target word out or make it with plastic letters.
2. Tell your child how to say the word and what it means if he/she doesn't know.
3. Ask your child to copy the target word and to say the name of each letter as it is being written.
4. Ask your child to look at what they have written and to say the whole word.
5. Ask your child to check that what they have written is the same as the target word. This checking is done letter by letter from the target to the copy.
6. Your child should then try to write and say the target word from memory. If he or she makes any mistakes, cross the word out and start again.
7. Repeat step 6 until the word has been written correctly 3 times.
8. Make sure your child practises each word following this routine for 3 consecutive daily sessions.