Spelling that grows

A young writer spells by sound: "KT" for cat, then "KAT", then "cat". Each step shows which sounds they can hear, and spelling by sound is a normal stage on the way to spelling right.

Don't correct every word. Pick one word that matters to them — their friend's name, a word they use a lot — and show them that one.

Write beside them. When you write your own note at the same table, they see writing is something grown-ups do too.