Dysorthographia: how to improve memorisation of difficult words?
Memorising the spelling of words is one of the core difficulties of dysorthographia. Words are learnt, corrected, revised — and forgotten. How can spelling be firmly anchored in memory despite this disorder? Here are the most effective methods.
Understanding why words don’t stick
The difficulty in memorising word spelling in dysorthographia results from an instability of orthographic representations in long-term memory. Where a child without the disorder gradually memorises the correct visual form of common words until they can reproduce them automatically, the dysorthographic child fails to consolidate these representations in a stable way. Words seem learnt — and a few days later, they are once again misspelt.
The orthographic visualisation technique
Orthographic visualisation is one of the most effective techniques for anchoring the written form of words in memory. The child is asked to look at the word carefully for 10 seconds, observing each letter and the overall shape of the word. Then they close their eyes and try to “see” the word on an imaginary screen. Then they write it from memory without looking at the model. Then they check. This sequence — look, visualise, write, check — repeated over several days for the same words, considerably strengthens orthographic memory.
Spaced repetition: working less but more often
Spaced repetition is the most scientifically validated memorisation technique. It involves reviewing the words to be memorised at gradually increasing intervals — the next day, then in 3 days, then in a week, then in two weeks. Applications such as Anki make it possible to automate these review intervals. Compared with cramming — revising everything in one go — spaced repetition produces far more lasting memories with less total study time.
Linking words to images and stories
Mnemonic associations — linking a difficult word to an image, a story or a memorable sentence — draw on visual and narrative memory, which is often stronger than purely verbal memory in people with dysorthographia. “Fromage takes a final e because the cheese (fromage) is shaped like an E” — such associations, even far-fetched ones, are remarkably effective for anchoring a difficult spelling form.
Spelling memory games
Several games make it possible to practise word memorisation in a playful way. The detective game — where the child must find words hidden in a text along with their correct spelling — the flash dictation — ten words, ten seconds to memorise them — or memory spelling cards — word on one side, definition and illustration on the other — are all formats that make memorisation less daunting. For sheets and memorisation games suited to children with dysorthographia, aidtoi.fr offers downloadable resources.
