So, you've got learners in your class who aren't doing too well with the spelling side of things … and you're not a literacy or English teacher. What now? Here are some tips:

Include everyone

Current thinking says, don't begin by isolating those learners – first see what you can do that will help everyone in class.

• When you introduce new vocabulary, take a little time to write words on the board. Talk about their origin and what they mean. Write up other linked words, or patterns, and give spelling tips that work for you.
  
  For example, Chromium: words from Ancient Greek have been given a ch spelling for a K sound. Think Chrome, also words like Chorus, Cholera, Chlorophyll. The end of the word is easy, that ium is found elsewhere.
  
  
• Pick out key words that are causing problems, and see who can come up with strategies to remember how to spell these words. (You'll find more about this in Chapter 4 of SpellingWorks.) It doesn't matter how silly they are, if they work.
  
  For example, Plebiscite: this has a bisc like biscuit, so you could remember that 'we all vote to eat more biscuits'.
  
  
• Get yourself a copy of SpellingWorks, and use some of the ideas in it to help learners deal with challenging new vocabulary and spelling. You're not 'teaching spelling', just spending five minutes or so to reinforce new skills and strategies.

Make sure you're not making unfair demands

To be fair to learners, make sure you're not getting them to give full written answers where multiple choice questions, or practical demonstration, would show they have the skill. This is especially important in areas where learners have to show competence, not essay writing skills.

Look for specialist help

If learners aren't just having problems with key vocabulary, but have general spelling difficulties, investigate what help is available. If you're in the vocational education and training (VET) area, you may be able to get a support teacher who will provide communications/literacy support for the whole class.

Find a mentor – or be a mentor

No specialist help available? Learners can work through SpellingWorks themselves, with a limited amount of encouragement and follow-up. You can either find someone to work with them, or fill that role yourself. See Supporting individuals and small groups.