What can I do to help DS with spelling?

[PennySweets]

He's in year 3, has just turned 8. He can read very well, has lovely neat handwriting, but can't spell to save his life. It's very frustrating, especially when we're doing his weekly spellings, which, incidentally, aren't that easy. His inability to spell well really lets the quality of his work down. Can anybody recommend any resources? Books or anything? Would be grateful for some advice. I've asked my DD's tutor to book him in, but as yet she hasn't come up with a slot for him. Would help him, I'm sure, some one to one tutoring, but I need something for the meantime.

You could try Wordshark. Two of my dyslexic sons use this on the PC. Non-dyslexic son loves it too.

Look on the dyslexic Institute's website?

There's also a book called Stareway to Spelling (I used the reading version called Toe by Toe with my DD1) by Keda Cowling which is a complicated method, but may be worth a thought.

You need a copy of Ruth Miskin's Superphonics Spelling published by Hodder Headline

Thanks for your comments. I like the sound of Wordshark and the book, Superphonics Spelling. Will try to get hold of those.

Try some word games. Childrens scrabble can be great fun if add your own rules such as extra points/prizes for any words realted to a spefic subject, say...football. Then for anything footie related such as laces, boots, ball, strip, team - you can add additional prizes and treats.

Makes it more interesting, and have a chuildrens dictionary on hand to look up any disputes.

Also encourage your DS to look up words where there is a dispute so he can see for himself, and not just take your word for it.