Sometimes, kids can read really well but struggle with spelling words. This can be confusing for parents. Understanding why this happens can help you support your child better. This guide explores the reasons why this may be happening and what you can do to help your child.
Understanding the Puzzle: When Reading Flows But Spelling Struggles
While it may seem like the two go together, reading and spelling are two related but separate skills. Reading depends on a child being able to recognize whole words and context (their meaning), while spelling requires being able to break the words down into sounds and letters. The latter can be more challenging for many children. In fact, there are many children who read well but have spelling difficulties. They may understand language perfectly fine, but struggle with the cognitive or motor skills needed to accurately write words.
Common Conditions That Cause Spelling-Only Difficulties
There are a few reasons why kids may have trouble spelling but not reading: problems with handwriting (dysgraphia), trouble hearing sounds in words (phonological processing), or difficulty remembering how words look (visual memory). Let’s explore each one in more detail.
Dysgraphia: When Writing Skills Fall Behind
Dysgraphia is a learning disability that affects writing and spelling. Children with dysgraphia might:
- Have messy handwriting that is hard or impossible to read
- Write slowly
- Write letters in different sizes and shapes
- Struggle to form letters or put their thoughts down on paper.
- Hold their pencils awkwardly or too tightly
- Get tired easily or complain that writing hurts their hands or gives them cramps
- Avoid writing tasks completely or say they don’t want to write
These problems come from difficulty coordinating hand movements or organizing thoughts on paper. Children with dysgraphia may find writing homework challenging, even if they understand what to write. This condition does not mean your child isn’t smart. It just means writing is harder for them, and they need a little extra support.
Dysorthographia: The Specific Spelling Disorder
Dysorthographia is a spelling-specific disorder where children consistently struggle to spell correctly. They might mix up letters or forget specific spelling rules. The condition often involves difficulty with phoneme-grapheme connections and with recalling word patterns. They might spell the same word many ways. This condition differs from more global reading disorders, such as dyslexia, in which both reading and spelling are affected.
ADHD and Executive Function Impacts on Spelling
Kids with ADHD might find spelling hard simply because it needs a lot of focus and memory. Kids with ADHD can have executive function challenges, such as problems with attention, working memory, and organization, all of which can affect how they spell if they are easily distracted or forgetful. Children may lose track of spelling sequences or become overwhelmed by the task itself. This can cause them to make mistakes and find spelling much harder, even if their reading skills are fine.
Visual Processing Issues Affecting Written Expression
Some children find it hard to remember what words look like or the order of the letters. This can affect their spelling because writing requires recalling the exact sequence of letters. These visual processing issues do not necessarily affect reading because they may use context clues from the rest of the sentence to guess words. However, these skills are critical for spelling precision.
Recognizing the Signs: Assessment and Identification
Signs that your child might need extra help include:
- Spelling words very differently each time
- Messy or painful handwriting
- Avoiding writing or homework that needs writing
- Trouble holding or controlling a pencil
- Slow writing speed
- Complaining that writing is hard or hurts
If you see these signs, it may be time to get help. Talk to your child’s teacher or school about getting an assessment done. Our specialists at NeuroHealth Arlington Heights use tests that assess fine motor skills, phonological processing, and writing abilities to diagnose any underlying conditions like dysgraphia or specific spelling disorders. Once we know the reason your child is struggling, we can recommend support to ensure they get the help they need.
Evidence-Based Intervention Strategies for 2025
Schools can help by creating special plans called Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or 504 plans. These let your child have extra time on tests, use assistive technology, or get help if they have difficulty spelling. Talk to your school about getting the support your child needs. Occupational therapy can also improve the fine motor skills necessary for writing, while using assistive technology like speech-to-text software and spell checkers is also helpful. Practice segmenting words into sounds, repeated exposure to spelling patterns, and positive reinforcement to help your child improve over time.
Here are some ways to help your child with spelling problems at home:
- Use multisensory learning (practice spelling with sight, hearing, and movement, like saying sounds aloud while writing letters).
- Break words into small parts or sounds.
- Use tracing or finger writing to help them remember letter shapes.
- Encourage frequent short writing practice instead of long sessions.
- Use technology like speech-to-text apps or spell check.
- Occupational therapy can help improve pencil grip and handwriting.
- Praise their effort and progress to keep them motivated.
Get Your Child School Accommodations Today
Under federal laws, such as IDEA and Section 504, children who struggle with poor spelling because of a condition or disability are entitled to accommodations. An IEP or 504 Plan can provide support like more time for writing tests, help with spelling, and adapted assignments to meet their needs. Advocating for these resources makes sure your child has access to suitable support at school. Contact us to arrange an appointment with our specialists at NeuroHealth Arlington Heights today.
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