Using Things Around the House to Teach Spelling and Reading

Take a look around the house. Do you have a box of toothpicks or straws? Use them (you can cut the straws so they are just a few inches) to show your kids how you can make letters by arranging them in the appropriate shapes. After kids have mastered making letters, ask them to make simple words. If there are a few kids around, you can make it a race or see who can spell the most words. Kids love competition!