Most so called non-phonetic words contain some particular letter, or
combination of letters, that makes the spelling difficult. If this
difficulty is clearly pointed out, it is half overcome. Find, with the
pupils, the “catch” in each word; emphasize it by underlining, or by
writing it in colored chalk, or by focusing the children’s attention on
it in some way. Then have them concentrate their energy in mastering it.
Read with the children the story addressed to them at the beginning
of their book, “The King’s Rules.” Refer to the story frequently and
encourage them to follow the rules daily. Study the notes on the
spelling of difficult words throughout the book. See that the children
not only apply the notes on the pages on which they occur, but look for
other words that contain the same problems.
For seat work, after every word in a lesson has been correctly and
distinctly pronounced, have the children decide what in each word
calls for special attention. This they may do by copying the word and
indicating in some way the difficulty as by underlining. Or they may
make little notes based on those in their book.
Make your children keen to detect and overcome these special
difficulties, and their interest will secure excellent results.