The Spelling Power Activity Task Cards provide a multi-sensory approach to spelling instruction. (The activity cards are coded to indicate a visual, auditory, kinetic, and/or tactile instruction style.) Such an approach gives a child multiple ways to "retrieve" the phonics rules from his "mental filing cabinet." This approach is particularly well suited for children who have trouble retaining their spelling lessons, or have learning disabilities.
Though designed to accompany Spelling Power, this program can be used with any spelling textbook or list. Providing 365 activities, it is meant as a supplement for reinforcement, rather than as a complete spelling program. Most activities take only 5 or 10 minutes, though some children will want to take more time with the game or craft cards, and require little preparation from the parent. A few of the activities are designed to be done on successive days. They are also designed to be used by an individual child, but can be easily adjusted to be worked with a partner or by a group.
The activities are broken down into five categories: Drill Activities, Skill Builders, Writing Prompters, Dictionary Skills, and Homonyms & More. The activities are well-organized so that my children are able to work the program on their own with little help from me. Each activity is printed on a 3 by 5 card and color coded by ability level. A sturdy cardboard holder keeps the cards in order. A small teacher's manual is provided, which includes teaching tips and answers.
As my children complete the activities, I have them put a sticker on the back of the card. This gives them a feeling of accomplishment, especially when they go back through the cards to see how much they have done so far in a school year. Because there is such an abundance of activities, it is not necessary to do each and every activity. I let my children pick and choose their activity for a particular day. Since it is used as a supplement, I don't see any reason to be rigid in implementing the activity task cards. Instead, make it fun and introduce it to your children as a game to be played.
