A spelling journal helps a child return to words they need rather than practising a long generic list. The useful entries come from repeated errors in current work.

Add one useful cue

For each word:

1. Write the correct spelling.

2. Mark the difficult part.

3. Add one pattern, related word, picture or memory cue.

4. Use the word in a short sentence.

If a child writes hopping as hoping, compare hop, hopping, hope and hoping. Mark the doubled consonant and explain what changes.

Build a weekly routine

Review three or four active words at the beginning and end of the week. Ask the child to write each word from memory before looking. Encourage them to check the journal during homework before asking for the spelling.

Remove words once they are used accurately without checking. This keeps the journal short and useful.

Do not add every error or stop the child repeatedly during drafting. Give them other spellings they need in the moment and save the journal for important patterns that recur.