There's a reason so many people can still remember the little rhyme, “i before e except after c.” It makes sense, it is relatively easy to remember, and it is very useful. This is why it's such a good idea to try to spell words to a catchy rhythm, rap, or easy nursery rhyme, such as “Mary Had a Little Lamb.”

Use Your Ears

Some people really enjoy movies because they can hear the action as well as see it. If you are that kind of person, give studying this way a try. You might be able to hear the correct spelling of words, and it might be easier than just reading the words. Kids who compete in spelling bees have to be able to listen and spell.

Have you ever had to learn to spell the seven continents? This can be a very tough assignment! Try spelling the continents to beats or to easy songs. Try spelling Australia to the tune of “Happy Birthday.” Or, try this great little rhyme for the word Europe: E-U-R-O-P-E, Europe is the place to be.

This is a great version to play with words you aren't familiar with. Fold a piece of paper four times to make sixteen boxes. Have someone call out sixteen words you haven't learned how to spell yet. You get an automatic bingo if you spell all the words in a row correctly.

Here are a few easy songs to spell words to: “Happy Birthday,” “Row, Row, Row Your Boat,” “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star,” and “Doe, a Deer.”

Worth Remembering

Even though those rhymes are pretty silly, they work for some spellers. In fact, once you can remember the spelling song, you might never forget how to spell the tough words. This is how a good rhyme can help a speller. Simple, good rhymes will allow spellers to concentrate on the word — just don't get too complicated.