ESSTA Kids

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Emily's Parent Question

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From a Parent
October 21, 2025Age 43
E

Emily (parent) asks:

About their child, age 43

My son has been getting really upset when he struggles with spelling. He cries when he doesn't get a word right, and it's breaking my heart to see him so frustrated. I want him to have fun while learning, but it seems like the pressure is getting to him. How can I help him feel more at ease with his spelling practice?

GalGal's Answer:

With love from your penguin friend đź’ś

Dear Emily, Thank you for reaching out with your heartfelt question. It sounds like you’re really doing your best to support your son's learning, and it's natural to feel concerned when we see our little ones struggle. At age 7, kids are beginning to realize that learning can be challenging, and it’s common for them to feel frustrated when things don’t come easily. Your son might be feeling some pressure to succeed, which can lead to those tears during spelling practice. One gentle strategy you can try is to embrace mistakes as a part of the learning process. You could start by sharing your own experiences with making mistakes, maybe even during a fun activity like cooking or crafting. This can help him understand that it's totally okay to slip up sometimes. When working with the "Spell With Stories Year 1 Set 1," you can turn each story session into a fun adventure where mistakes can be laughed about. Use the flashcards to create a game with him, where you celebrate every word he spells and help him learn the ones he finds tricky without pressure. You might also incorporate relaxing elements during these sessions, like playing some calming music or taking gentle breathing breaks between stories. This way, he'll associate spelling time with fun and relaxation rather than anxiety. Remember, Emily, your love and support are what he truly needs right now. You’re doing wonderfully, and with patience and practice, he’ll build his confidence! With warm wishes, GalGal

đź’ś Recommended Kit

Spell With Stories Year 1 Set 1

Spell With Stories Year 1 Set 1

Introducing the "Spell With Stories Year 1 Set 1," a captivating literacy learning kit designed to ignite young imaginations while mastering essential spelling skills. This engaging kit includes five delightful stories, each crafted to weave in effective spelling tricks for words like Are, Ask, Come, Friend, and Full. By bringing these words to life in fun narratives, children are not only learning how to spell but are also developing a love for reading that will last a lifetime. Each story captivates young minds, transforming the learning process into an adventure they’ll look forward to! But that's not all — the "Spell With Stories" kit goes a step further by including handy flashcards for each word, complete with memorable tricks that make spelling second nature. This multi-sensory approach is enhanced by calming music and gentle breathing cues incorporated into the storytime experience, making it perfect for winding down at bedtime or keeping little ones entertained during travel. Based on solid research that supports the power of storytelling in learning, this kit allows children to absorb spelling in a relaxed, enjoyable way. Give your child the gift of literacy with “Spell With Stories Year 1 Set 1” — where every page turned is a step toward confidence in reading and writing!

ÂŁ12.99

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