Online spelling exercises for dysorthographia

Online spelling exercises and apps have multiplied, and many promise rapid progress. For a child with dysorthographia, some can be useful, others much less so. Here are criteria for sorting them out, and advice on using them effectively, without expecting miracles.

What online tools can offer

A good online spelling tool allows children to repeat exercises in an engaging way, with immediate correction. Some children are very motivated by the screen and virtual rewards. Some adjust the difficulty according to the child’s answers.

These exercises are useful for practising specific rules, such as homophones or agreements. They allow the child to work partly on their own. Some children appreciate this independence. However, they do not replace an adult’s explanation or remedial therapy. The page spelling apps presents several tools.

The criteria for a good tool

A good tool clearly explains what it covers and follows a logical progression. It gives a correction that explains the error, rather than a simple “wrong”. It avoids presenting incorrect forms that the child might memorise.

It is useful to check who designed the tool, and whether spelling or remedial professionals were involved. A trial period lets you see whether the child takes to it. A tool that bores the child will quickly be set aside. The advice of a speech and language therapist is valuable when choosing. They often know the tools other families use.

Beware of nasty surprises

Some online exercises offer several spellings to choose from, including incorrect forms. For a child with dysorthographia, who has a fragile visual memory, seeing words spelt incorrectly can reinforce errors. It is better to favour exercises where the child writes the word themselves.

Adverts, in-app purchases and links to other content should also be watched. An advert-free tool is preferable for a child. Parental controls on the tablet or computer limit the risks. It is best to stay in the same room, especially with a young child.

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Limiting screen time

Even with a good tool, ten to fifteen minutes of exercises is enough. Beyond that, attention drops and the child starts clicking at random. It is better to fit these exercises into a broader routine, with screen-free activities. The screen then becomes one support among others.

The adult can do a few exercises with the child, to check that they understand and are really learning. They can also talk with the child about the errors flagged by the tool. This follow-up makes the exercise more effective. The tool becomes a starting point for a discussion about spelling. Screen-free exercises remain essential.

Spell-checkers, word predictors and voice dictation

Alongside exercises, there are digital tools that help children write day to day: spell-checkers, word predictors, voice dictation. They do not improve spelling in themselves, but they make it possible to produce legible texts. They are mainly useful from the end of primary school. Before that, they risk replacing learning instead of supporting it.

These tools need to be learnt, as they are not perfect. A spell-checker may suggest the wrong word, and the child must know how to choose. The occupational therapist or speech and language therapist can support this learning. The page word predictor presents an example of a tool.

Using the tools with the child

Online tools are more effective when they are part of a project. For example, the child practises homophones online for a week, then uses them in a piece of writing. They see the link between the exercise and real writing.

You can also ask them to note in their notebook the errors they often make on the tool, with the correct answer. This notebook becomes a memory aid. It bridges the gap between screen and paper. They keep it open beside their exercise book when writing. The page on proofreading helps them apply what they have learnt.

Choosing with a professional

The speech and language therapist and occupational therapist know the digital tools used in remedial work and can advise on those that suit. They can also recommend suitable online activities between sessions. Their advice avoids unnecessary purchases. Some free tools are more than sufficient.

The ProfessionnelsDys directory makes it possible to find these professionals by profession and by town. Do not hesitate to ask for their opinion before taking out a subscription. The page on software for children with dysorthographia presents the main tools.