pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis.
It isn’t what pops up on your screen after your cat
jumps onto the keyboard. Actually, it’s the longest
word that is included in major and minor English dictionaries.
What does it mean? The term refers to a lung disease that
results from breathing in a certain kind of dust from volcanoes.
However, there is an extremely interesting fact about the
creation of the word. In 1935, Everett Smith, the National
Puzzlers’ League’s president, created this longest
English word for one specific reason: to create the longest
word! If you and your child live in Millersburg
Ohio, you may want to help improve your child’s
spelling. But if you yourself always rely on a spellchecker
to avoid making spelling errors, how can you guide him or
her?
Recently, spelling bees have made
a comeback. The documentary Spellbound (2003); and the films
Bee Season (2005), and Akeelah and the Bee (2006) are all
based on the culture of regional and national spelling bees.
I have watched and enjoyed all three works. While many of
the words spelled in them are truly amazing, the culture of
formal spelling bees, which can take place in Amish
Holmes County Ohio and elsewhere—was truly amazing.
If you want your child to succeed in an upcoming spelling
bee, or simply to improve his her spelling, here are some
effective methods:
1. Small words become big words.
As a resident of Millersburg Ohio or other location, your
child (and you) may struggle with words that seem very long
and difficult. Remember that about half of English is based
on Greek and Latin. Teach your child to spell big words, by
breaking them into smaller words or parts of words. For example,
the word “extraordinary” includes the prefix “extra”
and the word “ordinary.” This method can help
your child to spell brand new words!
2. Learn how your child learns. Children learn differently,
so use a technique that will benefit your child the most.
Flash cards are ideal for children who learn best by seeing.
For those who learn best by doing, have them spell words by
writing them out. And for those who learn best by hearing,
record how various words are spelled out correctly.
3. Do not memorize the dictionary
overnight. Whether your child is preparing for a spelling
quiz, or a regional spelling bee somewhere such as in Millersburg
Ohio, remember that Rome was not built in a day. Also, studies
have shown that cramming rarely results in high quiz or test
scores. Studying a little bit every evening will produce better
results.
4. Fun and games (and learning).
Break out your Scrabble board game or Junior Scrabble Interactive,
and play with your child. Children learn by doing, and whether
your child lives in Millersburg Ohio or elsewhere, this game
is a great hands-on way for your kid to boost his or her spelling
skills. One of the board game’s best features is allowing
players to look up certain words, in order to challenge another
player’s spelled word.
5. Hold a mock spelling bee. The
best time to have this event, in your Holmes
County Ohio home or elsewhere, is the night before your
child’s spelling test. State a sentence that includes
a spelling word in it. Then say the spelling word itself.
Give “positive reinforcement,” such as a sticker
or healthy snack, for every word that your child spells correctly.
Is your child having as much
trouble spelling as you do? Maybe your youngster is preparing
for a spelling test or a spelling bee anywhere, including
Amish Holmes County Ohio. Using methods such as Scrabble will
make you spellbound by his or her improvement.
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