Spelling activities to reinforce vocabulary learning

Resumen

This research examined the effectiveness of spelling activities in reinforcing vocabulary learning among fifth-grade students. The study employed a quasi-experimental design with 68 participants divided into control and experimental groups at Unidad Educativa Fiscomisional Tirso de Molina in Ecuador. A seven-week intervention was implemented, incorporating various spelling activities including word searches, crosswords, and interactive games. Data was collected through pre-test and post-test assessments based on the Key English Test (KET) A2 level format. Results showed significant improvement in the experimental group's vocabulary knowledge, with mean scores increasing from 2.24 to 5.06, while the control group showed modest improvement from 2.59 to 3.62. Statistical analysis confirmed the effectiveness of spelling activities, with post-test results showing a significant difference between groups (p<0.001). The findings demonstrate that systematic implementation of spelling activities enhances vocabulary acquisition in elementary school students learning English as a foreign language.