Kathryn Rees Kathryn Rees

Unlock Your Child's Spelling Potential with NLP: A Visual Learning Strategy for Struggling Spellers

Is your child struggling with spelling? Discover how a simple and effective Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) technique can transform their spelling skills using visualisation.

Is your child struggling with spelling? Discover how a simple and effective Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) technique can transform their spelling skills using visualisation.

Why Traditional Methods Fail Traditional spelling methods often rely on sounding out words, which can be confusing. For example, ‘one’ might sound like ‘oh-neee’, and ‘two’ like ‘twoh’."

These methods can be cumbersome and ineffective for many kids.

The NLP Spelling Solution Instead of relying on sounds, NLP uses a visual strategy that many natural spellers use. This approach involves creating a mental image of the word, making spelling easier and more intuitive.

Step-by-Step Guide to NLP Spelling

1. Visual Presentation: Write the word in large, bright letters using coloured markers to make it eye-catching.

2. Positioning: Hold the paper with the word above your child’s head and to the upper left (from their perspective). This is where the brain stores visual memories.

3. Eye Movement: Have your child look up and to the left to engage their visual memory.


4. Positive Anchor: Use a positive feeling, like recalling a moment of success or happiness, while your child looks at the word.

5. Mental Image: Ask your child to stare at the word for 5-10 seconds while feeling confident.

6. Close Eyes and Visualise: Have your child close their eyes and visualise the word in the same position (upper left).

7. Spellling from Memory: Ask your child to spell the word by visualising and copying it from their mind’s eye, either verbally or in writing.

Practice and Success Encourage your child to practice this technique regularly to reinforce their mental images and associations. This method not only helps with spelling but also boosts confidence and makes learning fun.

Want to see this strategy in action? I offer 1:1 sessions to help your child become a confident and skilled speller using NLP. Contact me today to schedule a session and give your child the gift of excellent spelling skills!

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