<![CDATA[Good at reading but poor at spelling]]>Experience stories. Let your child write about the things he likes. He can illustrate the stones himself or cut pictures from magazines to illustrate them. Let him write the words without assistance unless he asks for help. Misspelled words can then be used in little games you play with your child. A one-line “story” may be all that he can handle. If so, fine.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/topic/90811/good-at-reading-but-poor-at-spellingRSS for NodeFri, 01 May 2026 11:23:40 GMTMon, 22 Apr 2019 02:59:29 GMT60<![CDATA[Reply to Good at reading but poor at spelling on Sun, 23 Sep 2018 07:20:55 GMT]]>Hi, for those who are keen to teach their child how to read as soon they can speak. And for those kids who has difficulties in reading. You may want to visit this site to find out more https://jnjeshop_2c0c.gr8.com/ My girl has benefited from this program and I would like to share with you all. Cheers!

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1874868https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1874868Sun, 23 Sep 2018 07:20:55 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Good at reading but poor at spelling on Tue, 12 Jun 2018 20:48:47 GMT]]>AnneS,


You are your child’s only defense & hope for understanding. I find teachers who label kids as ‘naughty’ or problematic as the most damaging & worst when they do reprimands in front of other kids.

A true educator shld be an encourager & a motivator & even a cheerleader. You’re your child’s first educator, so be all that. Don’t let others, not esp yr child’s teacher(s) do any damage to your precious child’s self-esteem. His anger shows his hapless struggles.

Go chat with the teachers to bring them round to work constructively & positively for your child. Say you hope these approaches will help better then getting the child feel small esp in amongst his peers.

If u can drive the search to help him as early as possible. It’s not easy to get accurate diagnosis in Spore. I had a hard time searching for a proper diagnosis but in the end, tho I probably missed knowing what bugs my kids, I worked relentlessly to find ways to help by trying all means - using mild sandpaper for writing out spelling developingvtactile skills; doing small bites of spelling or 听写 until all weekly quota learnt before tests; if yr child is in lower primary, revise all the changes in tenses, etc in terms of changes in spelling & using the thumbs up & thumbs down to use correct consonants, etc. Persistent patiently. I use color pens to help them visualize too, as some kids register better visually. In btwn serious learning, share with yr child a new biscuit or bake some muffins of his favorite flavor. That’s how I got myself into novelty cake baking & designing. I worked hard to delight my child. He’s always have friends coz his peers look fwd to surprises fr me for my DC to bring for them, or when I organize paydates,I’ll do somebody’s bday theme cake (minion, Spider-Man, Master Yoda, or Teacher’s Day cakes with hello kitty or unicorn with a mortar board).

So sorry, I always get carried away. You don’t hv to do all that I do. I’m just a perfectionist, trying to do the best I can for my kids. Just be your child’s best friend & champion to lift him up for an arduous journey to adulthood without over-indulgence. I’m a firm but supportive mother. I hope you succeed in your own way you know is best for your child.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1852083https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1852083Tue, 12 Jun 2018 20:48:47 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Good at reading but poor at spelling on Sat, 28 Apr 2018 15:21:27 GMT]]>

slmkhoo:
OwlSmart:

E.g. Apple - long vowel sound 'a' , Aviary - short vowel sound 'a'


This may be a typo, but it's the reverse.
Long 'a' is the 'a' as in 'aviary'; short 'a' is the 'a' in 'apple'.

Thank you for spotting the typo. Appreciate it.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1845079https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1845079Sat, 28 Apr 2018 15:21:27 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Good at reading but poor at spelling on Thu, 26 Apr 2018 10:06:52 GMT]]>

OwlSmart:
E.g. Apple - long vowel sound 'a' , Aviary - short vowel sound 'a'

This may be a typo, but it's the reverse.
Long 'a' is the 'a' as in 'aviary'; short 'a' is the 'a' in 'apple'.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1844824https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1844824Thu, 26 Apr 2018 10:06:52 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Good at reading but poor at spelling on Thu, 26 Apr 2018 04:36:49 GMT]]>

AnneS:
I have a 10 year old child. The teachers were complaining that he doesn't finish his class work and he's naughty and the other teacher said he doesn't even allow him to get in his classroom but lately I've realised when I was helping him with his homework that actually he's giving me the correct answers but it becomes a problem when I ask him to write.I forced him to write and that is when I realised that he has a spelling problem. He gets angry sometimes because teachers are telling him that he's going to fail in front of other kids instead of helping him.

Hello,
From your brief sharing, I can understand your frustration. Your child is in Primary 4, right? Most schools are beginning to have the Reading Remediation Programmes (RRP) that helps students who are weak in reading and spelling in the English Language. RRP commences at Primary 3 and ends at the end of Primary 4. You may want to check with the language teacher as there is a set of criteria for pupils to join the programme.
Weak spellers do not decode or break down the words easily. A simple task is to get your child to sound out the long and short vowel sounds in English - a,e,i,o and u and give you examples of words with the sounds in them.
E.g. Aviary - long vowel sound 'a' , Apple - short vowel sound 'a'
A simple rule is that one syllable carries one specific vowel sound. There are other skills like recognizing consonant blends such as 'bl' and 'ch'.
You might want to monitor his weekly spelling for English and observe his progress. Are there any particular words that he is prone to misspelling? Spelling will affect the quality of responses in the following components such as Editing and Comprehension open-ended.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1844766https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1844766Thu, 26 Apr 2018 04:36:49 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Good at reading but poor at spelling on Fri, 13 Apr 2018 04:06:04 GMT]]>http://www.readandspell.com/us/ADHD-reading-problems

[quote]While not all children with ADHD Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and ADD Attention Deficit Disorder experience difficulties when it comes to reading, some studies estimate around half may struggle with literacy skills. That’s because attention issues make it harder for children with ADHD to concentrate on a text. They may have trouble following narrative, connecting a text to their prior knowledge of a topic and/or guessing at the meaning of unknown words met in context. When ADHD and dyslexia present together, which occurs in about 1/3 of ADHD cases, both reading fluency and comprehension are impacted. The child may take longer to get through a page and stumble when reading aloud due to problems with sounding out words. There can also be difficulties sitting still for long periods in order to read the assigned pages.

Over time this can lead to frustration, avoidance of activities that involve reading and writing, and low self-esteem. Moreover, comprehension challenges negatively impact progress across the school curriculum as students in later grades are expected to use their reading skills to learn about new subjects and complete homework assignments. The good news is there are plenty of comprehension strategies and resources that can help a child with ADHD achieve his or her full potential in the classroom. [/quote]Not sure if this is related, but sometimes it's a bit of this & that. Perhaps if we can somehow narrow it to some 'classification', it can help us manage the kids' situation.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1842768https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1842768Fri, 13 Apr 2018 04:06:04 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Good at reading but poor at spelling on Fri, 13 Apr 2018 02:09:33 GMT]]>AnnieS,

If it is a visual input problem, there will be other tell tale signs beyond his schoolwork - it can show up on his drawings, his physical activities (eg falling down easily, does not notice thing on one side of his field of vision, poor at throw and catch etc) and daily interactions - may not catch visual clues as easily when interacting with people etc. Bear in mind that some of these can also point to other issues (eg dyspraxia) or just part of the developmental curve (reading visual expressions). After all they are still growing and developing.

Writing is one more step from thinking, so it is an extra layer of work. You can note if his written answers are close to the original but with spelling errors, or if he writes something different. That will be a useful indicator on how to best help him.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1842743https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1842743Fri, 13 Apr 2018 02:09:33 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Good at reading but poor at spelling on Fri, 13 Apr 2018 02:00:56 GMT]]>

AnneS:
I have a 10 year old child. The teachers were complaining that he doesn't finish his class work and he's naughty and the other teacher said he doesn't even allow him to get in his classroom but lately I've realised when I was helping him with his homework that actually he's giving me the correct answers but it becomes a problem when I ask him to write.I forced him to write and that is when I realised that he has a spelling problem. He gets angry sometimes because teachers are telling him that he's going to fail in front of other kids instead of helping him.

Hi...it sounds like your son needs “emergency” help to overcome any lack of confidence that is resulting from the teachers’ treatment of him in school.

First - is it only English spelling that he has trouble with? Eg have a close look at his Maths worksheets and tests. If the answers are numbers, any trouble with those? Please try and pinpoint the problem...is the poor spelling due to lack of exposure to the English words? Or does he have symptoms of dyslexia thus cannot remember the spelling?

Once you have found a solution for the spelling problem, I believe over time his confidence will recover, and he will be happier to do his work in class. The behavioral issues now are not the main issue - solve the root first and the behavior will improve.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1842742https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1842742Fri, 13 Apr 2018 02:00:56 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Good at reading but poor at spelling on Fri, 13 Apr 2018 01:58:29 GMT]]>

AnneS:
I have a 10 year old child. The teachers were complaining that he doesn't finish his class work and he's naughty and the other teacher said he doesn't even allow him to get in his classroom but lately I've realised when I was helping him with his homework that actually he's giving me the correct answers but it becomes a problem when I ask him to write.I forced him to write and that is when I realised that he has a spelling problem. He gets angry sometimes because teachers are telling him that he's going to fail in front of other kids instead of helping him.

Oh dear! That's slot of damage to yr child's self-esteem. You're a great mother having identified & narrow down his problem. He's probably just as frustrated with himself but do not know how to express himself. Pls also work with the teacher to reduce betraying yr child & encourage his learning abit more.

Pls help build lots of time of fun learning with you. Let him enjoy the process. If teacher give 10 spelling weekly, pls help him break it down daily maybe just 3 at a time. It's not easy for him.
At P4, I'd advise u spend more time in a variety of activities both academic learning & bldg his character (tone down his anger as he seemed to hv been largely misu'stood. Hv u tried get him checked for learning obstacles? Not to scare u, but a frd of mine hv a very intelligent boy only prob is spelling & later diagnosed at P1 for neurological disconnect in the brain for the visual connect so spelling never done. But this is quite rare, so get it diagnosed early so can help him fast.

Lots of love fr this Aunty here. Hugs too! :snuggles:

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1842741https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1842741Fri, 13 Apr 2018 01:58:29 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Good at reading but poor at spelling on Fri, 09 Mar 2018 08:11:26 GMT]]>

cvl99:
Ha mine is the opposite, my girl can spell very well but hesitates a lot when reading.


How old yr girl? Try a few sessions reading & intimating to her if she's pre-schooler. She might find it fun & emulate you in reading. Young kids need a lot of confidence bldg & if mummy daddy can take turns to read, she'll soon join in since while family having fun.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1837270https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1837270Fri, 09 Mar 2018 08:11:26 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Good at reading but poor at spelling on Fri, 09 Mar 2018 08:00:32 GMT]]>Ha mine is the opposite, my girl can spell very well but hesitates a lot when reading.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1837265https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1837265Fri, 09 Mar 2018 08:00:32 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Good at reading but poor at spelling on Fri, 09 Mar 2018 07:36:50 GMT]]>eh, my kid also had the same proble, kept suspecting he was dyslexic but he grew out of it within a year.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1837255https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1837255Fri, 09 Mar 2018 07:36:50 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Good at reading but poor at spelling on Fri, 09 Mar 2018 05:50:57 GMT]]>

kaisuparents:
My DD, currently in P1 is good at reading, can read independently but very bad at spelling. She tends to write simple words incorrectly. E.g: bird => brid, dirty => drity, stripes => strips

Is her issue with phonics, is she unable to break the word into syllables and spell it.
Can anyone suggest any good iOS apps to make her practise spelling and phonics.
Thanks in Advance
typing into any software like microsoft word may be useful, since they underline all the errors and she will have to think for herself what is wrong.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1837208https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1837208Fri, 09 Mar 2018 05:50:57 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Good at reading but poor at spelling on Fri, 09 Mar 2018 04:45:55 GMT]]>Hey all,


I realize after Joanne25's sharing, there was a case many years back, a very bright & efficacious kid cld not write down instructions fr the board nor does his spelling well.

Parents were denial of anything needs intervention, until school started a special needs teacher-assistant assign to each primary 1 & 2 classes. The trained teacher-assistant spotted my frd's kids learning problem but did not know how to place problem, do just recommended parents to seek help.

Parents brot child to SGH, psychiatrist diagnosed as dylslexic initially & went for a few sessions of therapy, but by 3rd session, therapists suspect sth else & not dyslexia coz child's performance didn't fit into the series of her intervention. She asks parents willing to send to one pte psychiatrist she knows who can better diagnose. The father was very open & willing to test, more than my frd cld handle. Thankful to the father's decision, he was diagnose as neurological disconnect brian-to-writing. This neurological disconnect is inborn & needs lifelong medication and nothing else (therapy) helps. Not child's or parents' fault just born with it! Today, he's reading law in UK. So, tho psychiatry not as well developed in Spore as US or Australia, close monitoring till right solution found helps our kids. This child's father never gave up find answers to help his child!

Ano frd's boy also was diagnosed ADD late but nevertheless did so in P4 and did the medication & doc helped to track earliest possible time take off medication. Today, the young chap did poly track but perform well enuf to move on to uni after NS.

Same grp of frds but ano chap (youngest in a wealthy family of 3 boys), since young can't focus. Parent refused to send boy for diagnosis even after the earlier frd's successful example. Parents too proud to take that step. Felt sorry for the youngest boy. It'll be so simple to check out (like checknif child's fever is due to flu or need treatment or no treatment if dengue, etc). Parents kept in denial state won't bring boy to check but father willing to get involved in school board, twitch sch rules to do supp-exams & get HODs to set easy papers. How does it help develop the young man? Father continues till this day to map youngest boy's path & today created a position in his company for him.

Result, 2nd son grudge youngest no effort whilst he's the street-smart & clever with good grades all the way graduated fr SMU. I don't want to know how the father's bz will be split amongst the 3 boys but ... not my bz.

When young & if parents are open mind, get early help. In today's context, there is nothing shameful abt diagnosing child & getting the best help for child to overcome their hurdle. In fact, some parents might successfully groom a highly talented kid (most kids with autisms, ADHD etc hv talents which think compensate for the small shortcoming). I'm glad I helped my kid overcome his lack of attentiveness, focus & constant fridgetting to better control as DC grow into teen & adulthood.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1837195https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1837195Fri, 09 Mar 2018 04:45:55 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Good at reading but poor at spelling on Fri, 09 Mar 2018 03:47:48 GMT]]>We’re going through exactly the same thing with DD9. Her reading is brilliant and fast, and she comprehends what she reads (I randomly test her to make sure she’s reading the whole story and not skiping para’s). But her spelling, her sentences and writing skills are atrocious. If she can sound out the word and not have to write it down she gets it right most times, but when put in a test situation she does terribly. Apparently she does it so quickly because she "knows" the right answer but wants to get it over and done with.I’ll be keeping a close eye on this thread as we’re discussing this issue with her Teacher.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1837167https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1837167Fri, 09 Mar 2018 03:47:48 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Good at reading but poor at spelling on Fri, 09 Mar 2018 03:47:38 GMT]]>We’re going through exactly the same thing with DD9. Her reading is brilliant and fast, and she comprehends what she reads (I randomly test her to make sure she’s reading the whole story and not skiping para’s). But her spelling, her sentences and writing skills are atrocious. If she can sound out the word and not have to write it down she gets it right most times, but when put in a test situation she does terribly. Apparently she does it so quickly because she "knows" the right answer but wants to get it over and done with.I’ll be keeping a close eye on this thread as we’re discussing this issue with her Teacher.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1837166https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1837166Fri, 09 Mar 2018 03:47:38 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Good at reading but poor at spelling on Thu, 08 Mar 2018 05:36:01 GMT]]>Thanks for your inputs. Really appreciate your sharings, it gives me the courage that the issue is not uncommon and can be addressed with patience and practise. Will try out your advices.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1837033https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1837033Thu, 08 Mar 2018 05:36:01 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Good at reading but poor at spelling on Tue, 06 Mar 2018 23:39:33 GMT]]>

FantasyLandDreams:
Just yesterday a friend sought my help on P1 spelling as her son has been borderline pass too and scenario as described above.


If a child cannot relate to phonics methods despite phonics lesson for two years, and sight word method does not help much too ( my friend uses sight word method at home), is there any other method to teach P1 spelling? Anyone can share?

Child has went for diagnosis at NUH and confirmed he is not dyslexia and not ADHD but more of cannot focus and will day dream and look at what his friends are doing kind.

The child's tingxie is ok though.
First, I presume the child can read? If the child cannot read yet, then learning spelling is premature. He will be relying on rote memorisation without making \"sense\" of the letters.

Maybe more kinesthetic methods might work? Like writing with his finger in sand or on a textured surface (eg. jeans, cushion covers) when learning letter sounds or spelling words? Or using playdough to make the letters while saying them aloud? Games that involve moving around (eg. spread cards with letters and digraphs around and get the child to fetch the correct ones to make up a word).

I did a quick search and found these sites. There are more, but your friend can start with a few ideas from these:

https://thisreadingmama.com/day-1-kinesthetic-activities-for-teaching-reading/
https://mnliteracy.org/sites/default/files/multisensory_techniques_to_teach_reading_skills.pdf

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1836725https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1836725Tue, 06 Mar 2018 23:39:33 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Good at reading but poor at spelling on Tue, 06 Mar 2018 17:08:58 GMT]]>Sesame Street (during my childhood) used to have this funny segment teaching us how to spell new words by breaking them down. Those were the good old days before phonics. Thank goodness for YouTube, I found them through an online search:


https://youtu.be/HEg0BbtxliA

The child can be allowed to watch a few of these every day. But parents should also be breaking the words down this way when reading story books to the child. Over time, the child will pick up this habit too and spelling will improve.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1836708https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1836708Tue, 06 Mar 2018 17:08:58 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Good at reading but poor at spelling on Tue, 06 Mar 2018 16:08:18 GMT]]>I think different children’s brains work differently, usually by a certain age they will catch up eventually.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1836701https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1836701Tue, 06 Mar 2018 16:08:18 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Good at reading but poor at spelling on Tue, 06 Mar 2018 16:08:12 GMT]]>I think different children’s brains work differently, usually by a certain age they will catch up eventually.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1836700https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1836700Tue, 06 Mar 2018 16:08:12 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Good at reading but poor at spelling on Tue, 06 Mar 2018 16:05:19 GMT]]>

FantasyLandDreams:
Just yesterday a friend sought my help on P1 spelling as her son has been borderline pass too and scenario as described above.


If a child cannot relate to phonics methods despite phonics lesson for two years, and sight word method does not help much too ( my friend uses sight word method at home), is there any other method to teach P1 spelling? Anyone can share?

Child has went for diagnosis at NUH and confirmed he is not dyslexia and not ADHD but more of cannot focus and will day dream and look at what his friends are doing kind.

The child's tingxie is ok though.
How about printing out flash cards of the spelling words so they can bring them to revise on the go? Shorter sessions of revision may help him since he tends to drift off.

And a general strategy for those who are failing spelling/tingxie: the child’s self-esteem may be hurt over time (depends on how many people - teachers, parents, classmates) have been telling them that they’re “bad/weak/lousy” in this area. Focus on the words that they get correct & praise them for it. Let’s say he gets 1/10 correct. Praise him to the sky for getting it correct. He deserves it after all the effort right? Don’t harp on the missing 9 marks. Slowly over time, his esteem will be restored & he will want to try more & improve. I don’t know why some parents are so insistent on full marks for spelling. More important is the journey and the child’s heart.

I mentioned in another thread that I disagree with the need for spelling in MOE schools. It is causing so much unnecessary tension & stress for the P1 kids and their parents. They schools should be more focused on settling in the kids to their new school environment and making bonding time with new classmates instead of worrying the kids academically at this stage. The end goal PSLE is still far away.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1836698https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1836698Tue, 06 Mar 2018 16:05:19 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Good at reading but poor at spelling on Tue, 06 Mar 2018 14:32:49 GMT]]>Just yesterday a friend sought my help on P1 spelling as her son has been borderline pass too and scenario as described above.


If a child cannot relate to phonics methods despite phonics lesson for two years, and sight word method does not help much too ( my friend uses sight word method at home), is there any other method to teach P1 spelling? Anyone can share?

Child has went for diagnosis at NUH and confirmed he is not dyslexia and not ADHD but more of cannot focus and will day dream and look at what his friends are doing kind.

The child’s tingxie is ok though.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1836688https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1836688Tue, 06 Mar 2018 14:32:49 GMT