Spelling problems, like reading problems, originate with language learning weaknesses. Therefore, spelling reversals of easily confused letters such as b and d, or sequences of letters, such as wnet for went are manifestations of underlying language learning weaknesses rather than of a visually based problem.
Difficulties processing auditory or visual information are known to lead to spelling challenges. These processing issues make it difficult for a child to make sense of what (s)he hears or sees. A child with auditory processing challenges can't hear the subtle differences in the sounds in words to spell them accurately.
If your child struggles with spelling it could be attributed to other challenges that you should first consider. Children with dyslexia (language-based learning difference), ADHD (difficulty with focusing and attention), dysgraphia, and dyspraxia (difficulty with fine motor skills) can find spelling more difficult.
Everyone makes spelling mistakes at one time or another. Mistakes can be caused by not taking the time to proofread or lack of knowledge about what the correct spellings are. And other times it's from confusion about usage.
Literacy skills are linked and sometimes, as in the case with dyslexia, difficulties with spelling may also be a sign of trouble with reading. Students who struggle with reading can have low comprehension because words are misread.
The spelling connection: Trouble with focus makes it hard to notice spelling mistakes. People with ADHD often leave out letters, use the wrong ones, or put them in the wrong order. ADHD can make it harder to commit words and spelling rules to memory.
Difficulty seeing (and occasionally hearing) similarities and differences in letters and words. Inability to sound out the pronunciation of an unfamiliar word. Difficulty spelling.
Symptoms of dyslexia in children aged 5 to 12 include: problems learning the names and sounds of letters. spelling that's unpredictable and inconsistent. confusion over letters that look similar and putting letters the wrong way round (such as writing "b" instead of "d")
However, most experts agree that children should begin to recognise letter sounds by 4 or 5 years old, and be able to spell simple words by 6 or 7. For example, a 3 year old should be able to spell their name and other short words like “dog” and “cat”.
We have a long history of linking spelling skills to intelligence. We think people who can't spell are ignorant, illiterate, or stupid, despite having research dating back to the 1970s that shows that there is no significant association between spelling ability and intelligence.
confusing vowel sounds, e.g. writing 'i' for 'e' difficulty rhyming. blending sounds into a whole word. difficulty with homophones and Sight Words.
Part Of The Issue Is Probably Genetics
Back in 2008, The Times investigated bad spelling, and in an interview with an expert at the Wellcome Trust Center For Human Genetics, uncovered the fact that a whopping 60 percent of our spelling ability is likely down to our genetics.
The definition of dyslexia notes that individuals with dyslexia have “conspicuous problems” with spelling and writing, in spite of being capable in other areas and having a normal amount of classroom instruction.
Dysgraphia can appear as difficulties with spelling and/or trouble putting thoughts on paper. Dysgraphia is a neurological disorder that generally appears when children are first learning to write. Experts are not sure what causes it, but early treatment can help prevent or reduce problems.
In case you're worried, these three age-related symptoms are perfectly normal: Some loss of the ability to spell. “Tip of the tongue” mistakes, where we have trouble bringing up a word we want to use, a word that we “know that we know”
These may include: reversing letters or the order of letters (after first grade); spelling phonetically; having accurate beginning and ending sounds but misspelling the word; not using words in writing that they would use in oral language; and disorganized writing, such as a lack of grammar, punctuation, or ...
According to UMHS, the following conditions can present similar symptoms and difficulties to dyslexia: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Executive Dysfunction. Memory Impairments.
Spelling is actually more difficult than reading as there are many variations of how one phoneme or sound can be represented in print. Spelling depends on many of the same concepts as reading, including phonological (sound) and orthographic (written language) knowledge.
Many individuals with dyslexia learn to read fairly well, but difficulties with spelling (and handwriting) tend to persist throughout life, requiring instruction, accommodations, task modifications, and understanding from those who teach or work with the individual.
They can also lack basic spelling skills (having difficulties with p,q,b,d), and often will write the wrong word when trying to formulate thoughts (on paper). In children, the disorder generally emerges when they are first introduced to writing.