At the most basic level, spelling and reading are both about being able to connect letter patterns, sound, and meaning. The more children know about spelling, the easier it is for them to learn to read, because they will be able to automatically recognize the pattern of the word and associate it with the definition. Being able to treat words as single units, rather than as collections of letters, is the first step to developing good speed reading skills. Spelling and writing are also closely connected, because if a person can’t spell the words they want to use, they’ll choose simpler ones that might not really end up communicating what they wanted to say. For younger children, this might lead to frustration that stops them from wanting to write altogether. Problems with spelling, reading, and writing at an early age lead to even bigger issues for adults, impacting their ability to get good jobs or advance in their careers.

It’s also frustrating to read if you don’t know the words you’re looking at. Spelling practice helps in vocabulary development, and also in figuring out unfamiliar words that are related to ones that you already know. When you know more words, you’ll be able to see connections between those words, and that will increase your understanding of vocabulary and also how words are used in different ways. The more you read, the more practice you’ll get at recognizing letter patterns, so it will help reinforce the spelling skills you already have. What’s more, you’ll learn new words and their spelling easily, since you’ll have practice in looking at words both as units of meaning and as collections of letters.

Reading and spelling skills are valuable for both children and adults. To get the most out of these valuable skills, remember to practice them together rather than separately, so that each aspect of the literacy process supports the other.

Cross-posted at the Ultimate Spelling blog.