15-minute Spelling Routine for Busy Families (Perfect for December Learning)

December is magical… and busy. Between concerts, cookies, shopping, and school events, it’s so easy for learning routines to slip away and most parents feel at least a little guilty about it.

Good news: you do not need a full lesson, a stack of worksheets, or 30 minutes of focused time to keep your kiddo’s spelling skills growing this month.

This super-simple 15-minute spelling routine fits into real life, (before school, after dinner, while you wait in the car) and helps your child stay confident through the holiday season.

Even better? It pairs perfectly with the free December Learning Bundle, which includes my Gingerbread Spelling Cards that work with any spelling or vocabulary list.

Let’s make December learning doable. 🍪✨

Step 1: Pick 10 Words (1 minute)

Choose 10 words from:

• Your child’s spelling list

• High-frequency/sight words

• Vocabulary from school

• Or words they struggled with earlier in the year

Want this step to be even easier? Check out my Christmas Word Practice Kit that includes editable Gingerbread or Christmas Tree cards. All you do is type and print!

Step 2: Read Each Word Together (2 minutes)

Go through the cards. If your child doesn't know the word yet, tell them and have them repeat it back. Then move it to the back of the pile to read again.

Step 3: Write & Tap the Words (5-7 minutes)

Now use the Tap, Map, and Write board to practice spelling.

Use this quick spelling approach:

• One-syllable words: Tap the sounds and write them in the boxes (mapping) and write again on the lines.

• Multi-syllable words: Break it into chunks ("win-ter," "hol-i-day") and spell one chunk at a time on the line at the bottom of the page.

This keeps spelling manageable and supports the way kids’ brains store words.

If you need a visual explanation of how to use the tap, map, and write, check out my 6 minute explanation video here!

Step 4: Make a fun story to read a few times (5 minutes)

Now, you can absolutely write your own story with your child's words. Feel free. If you want the faster, easier approach, use this ChatGPT prompt - Write a short Christmas story for a [insert grade level] child using these words: [list 5–10 words].

This will give your child practice reading their words a story, and they'll know it's made specifically for them.

Here's a great way to use this story:

1. Have your child find and highlight their words in the story.

2. Then they read through once to figure out the words.

3. Now you read it back to them so they can hear the story without using brain power for sounding out.

4. Now have them read it back to you. You could also take turns reading this time (you read a sentence, then they read one, back-and-forth).

5. Pull this story out 1-2 more times throughout the week for them to read quickly.

Step 5: Add a Dash of Fun (when there is time!)

This is where the December magic comes in. Choose one quick, playful way to practice:

• Use the Gingerbread Spelling Cards from your freebie bundle

• Write words in “snow” (salt or sugar on a tray)

• Spell words while doing silly actions — hop, clap, stomp

• Turn words into ornaments, snowflakes, or cocoa-themed crafts

• Hide word cards around the room for a quick word hunt

Five minutes of fun = way more motivation.

Want Even More Easy, Low-Prep Practice for your spelling routine?

Want all these activities plus more AND templates? Grab the Free December Reading Bingo. It’s packed with simple activities, Gingerbread Spelling Cards that work with ANY list, and fun seasonal prompts to make learning feel light and cozy this month.

Small steps still move your kiddo forward and they’ll feel proud that they’re keeping up, even during the busiest month of the year.