Spelling Techniques for Visual-Spatial Learners

Today we will look at spelling techniques devised by Linda Silverman in her article,  "A Visualization Approach to Spelling."  She has a list of suggested techniques that are offered on the website for The Gifted Development Center.  Silverman points out how often the VSL is challenged by traditional spelling conventions.  Below, you will see some images that demonstrate some useful techniques.

In order to learn more, visit the link to the site above and browse the articles on spelling.

Here the student writes his spelling words in two different colors

The student begins his visual word study by writing each word in two different colors.   He breaks the words down visually not by using syllables.  After writing all of the words in color, the student holds one word at a time at arms length and studies the word briefly.


He then closes his eyes and imagines the word in some silly or dramatic way.  He then places the word in space somewhere above his head.  He then spells the word backwards with his eyes closed and then spells the word forward with his eyes closed.  Finally, he writes the word correctly one time.  As you might imagine - this review proves to be a very effective method of study.

The student holds the colored words at eye level

Here the student begins to create a visual image of the word 'torture.'

In this picture, our spelling challenged artist has created a hangman's noose to represent the spelling word.

Another technique that reaches the visual learner is the use of dramatic imagery to associate and illustrate a word.  Above you can see one student's interpretation of how he sees the word 'torture.'

In an upcoming post, we will look at some more helpful techniques to teach the challenged speller.