When a child asks for a spelling, one brief prompt can help them use what they know. The prompt should match the word rather than becoming a demand to “sound out” everything.

Choose one useful strategy

Ask the child to try one of these:

• split the word into syllables;

• identify a familiar sound–spelling pattern;

• think of a root or related word;

• mark a prefix or suffix; or

• recall a mnemonic for an exception word.

For magician, connect it with magic and mark how the ending changes. If the strategy does not help after one attempt, give the spelling and keep the writing moving.

Avoid listing several strategies at once or correcting every uncertainty while they are writing.

If you want to try an app

You do not need one. You and your child can make up your own memorable link for a tricky word, which costs nothing. Sir Linkalot (paid) uses visual and verbal links to help users remember exception words and patterns. It may provide a useful mnemonic for a word that does not respond well to a phonics or word-family strategy. Home use needs a paid subscription, so ask first whether school has a licence your child can use at home.

A resource should add one memorable cue, not replace the spelling approach used by school.

Talamo has no commercial relationship with any of the organisations named here. We suggest them only because we think they could be useful to families.