As teachers, we recognize the benefits of drill and repetition especially when it comes to learning the spelling of words. Practice makes perfect. Students, on the other hand, often find this type of activity boring. I can recall the many grunts and groans I'd hear when I would assign writing their words three times each. Trace a Word is an activity that promotes drill and practice in a uniquely creative way.

Directions

1. Provide the students with a large sheet of unlined white paper. I often am given large sheets of cast-off computer paper by parents who work for area businesses. These work great!
2. Have the students print their spelling words about 1-1.5" tall on the paper with pencil, splashing them over the sheet in different directions.
3. Next have them trace the outline of the word using a coloring utensil. Colored pencils, crayons, or fine-lined markers work best. Encourage them to quietly spell the word orally as they trace.
4. Repeat step C. two to three more times. Tell the students it is acceptable to overlap lines from other words as they encounter them.

Your students will have gained much needed practice with their assigned words and have created a work of art to boot! These papers make nice display items. Best of all-no more grunts and groans!