This week my son came home with his usual spelling homework. The DREADED three times each paper, where he basically just copies each word down as quickly as he can and doesn't remember a dang word. I decided to try these wiki sticks I use with my kindergarteners instead. His skill this week is long u, and he had way more fun creating the words out of these wax sticks instead of the optional 3x each homework. I use these with my kindergarteners as well to help them learn their letter names and sounds and build up their fine motor skills.
As a teacher, I've seen many parents get obsessive over spelling tests. At the end of the day the most important thing is that they learn the phonics skill, can recognize it in words, and will utilize it in their writing. Some other fun ways to practice making letters and building words are with pipe cleaners, or shaving cream. I know the shaving cream sounds messy, but it actually dissolves quickly and leaves the desks nice and clean!
These are also a great toy for indoor recess or taking on the go. A friend of mine recommended them for our trip to Disney and they were awesome on the airplane tray. I also recommend them to friends who ask what a good teacher gift might be. These could be used as part of the curriculum or just for fun in the classroom. They're a great tool and they don't take up a lot of space, which teachers love!
As long as the sticks are sealed the bag or container they won't get dried out! They do get a little yucky after multple uses with my littles in school so you may need to toss after a while. The good news is that for letter and sight word practice you only need to use a few at a time. You can find them on amazon here https://amzn.to/3vZOY6s
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