Spelling and ADHD

Spelling can difficult for kids with ADHD for a number of reasons.  It is not always the same reason.  So, before you have your child try some of the techniques below to improve their spelling, it may be a good idea to try to understand what is happening and when the spelling errors are the biggest problem.

The Careless Speller
This poor speller has difficulties not because they don't know how to spell words, but because they aren't paying attention to letter order while they are writing.  They may be slow at getting the letters down on the page, or they may be hurrying too fast to get all the letters in.

You can get a better idea of how this type of student's spelling is going by having them type, stamp, or form words from tiles or letter cubes.  In other words, dissociating spelling from handwriting may be helpful.  Spelling, however, should not be divorced from writing (as, in composition).  Students should be taught to proofread their work for spelling.

Working specifically to improve handwriting with a separate curriculum or with a separate person (such as an occupational therapist) may be helpful.

The Inattentive Copyist
This poor speller has difficulties because they copy words all week but don't ever let it sink in that they need to learn the letter order and not just focus on forming letters on a page.
 When they get to a test, there isn't anything to copy anymore and they flounder.

This type of speller may benefit from tactile formation approaches toward spelling.  For example, have the child spell using sign letters, or have them write the words in a salt or sand tray, or with sandpaper or textured foam letters.

The Dyslexic Speller
Kids with dyslexia struggle to associate letters with sounds and then sounds to words.   This makes spelling difficult.  Explaining and focusing in on spelling rules and not merely memorizing letter order can help, as can breaking spelling words down into the sounds that make them up.

The Pessimist
Some children have learned to hate spelling and just don't want to do any activities you give them for spelling drill simply because it is spelling.

For these children, in addition to addressing any root causes, it is important to try to find some way for them to practice spelling that will be appealing, such as video or computer games, crossword puzzles, or word finds.  Stealth spelling may also be attempted with younger children.  This would include any activity that involves writing, such as composing stories, lists (grocery or shopping lists), letters, or other written/typed work.

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