Working on Spellings 8 Year Old

Try spellingcity.com

you put the words in and then there are some fun games they can play related to their spelling words. It also has a quiz portion so you can practice the words that he is really struggling with.

Start phonics lessons now, then. Better late than never. If not your child, but just one you work with in your job, you can send home informaiton, or google phonics worksheets (I just did and got a ton of resouces) and pass the information home with his parents.
If your child, set aside two 10 - 15 minute intervals each evening to look at and review phonics. Outloud practice and on paper.
I work in phonics words and rules in life discussions. I am the goober who points things out and asks my kids how to spell it and give me the sounds, etc.
It is just a matter of taking the time to teach it and work it in everyday life. Good luck!

if you have internet access, check out PBSkids.org. If you have an ipad, there are free spelling apps - just search for that. My son loved them, they were quite fun. Also, his school district has something called readingeggs.com - it teaches reading and spelling. I don't know if you can just go on there as an individual and use it, but try. If you can't get on, ask your school about it.

Here's another thought entirely, and it may not be popular here.

Can you let it go?

My own belief is that we all get to be bad at one or two things. Or, hey, four or five. I am constantly losing things -- I'm notorious for losing my keys. If you show me some machine (and my definition of "machine" is very broad) and how it works, I will instantly go blank and remember nothing at all. I don't love these qualities about myself, but really, it's not a huge deal.

A whole lot of brilliant, accomplished people can't spell to save their lives. They pretty much just laugh at themselves and focus on areas where they can achieve. That might be a better model for your son than playing remedial catch-up in a world with Spell Check.

Try starting with the spelling of words of something he likes. Example, when my son was little he showed an interest in Geography and International Cuisine.. So for example, when we'd read an Italian menu, he's spell a word from it.. Now, he might have learned to spell Tiramisu and Cappuccino before he did cat or dog.. but hey, spelling is spelling.
Also, the more you can get your child to read, he ll pick up spelling that way.... and sentence structure... Even if reading means comics, manuals, chapter books.. what's important is the reading... make it fun and the spelling will follow along naturally

good luck

Have you asked the teacher this question? Hopefully, the teacher is willing to work with you and happy you are supporting your child at home.

Have him bring home the weekly spelling list from his class, and practice every day. Have him write the words out 3 times each, and then take the list from him and have him spell each word aloud.

You can also get the spelling list that is used in his class from the teacher. Contact them and request a conference.

We asked the teacher to print out all of the spelling worksheets up to current and we use them at home to work on the words our son is struggling on.

Ask his teacher to provide the spelling list at least a week in advance. The weekend is a great time to get a jumpstart.
After you receive his list from school, begin with a pre-test to determine challenging words.

Here are a few strategies I use with tutoring clients.

Rainbow writing
Provide large, neat, double-spaced list of challenging spelling words
Have your son:
Say the spelling word
Trace each letter, saying letters out loud
Say the spelling word
Repeat with two more colors (layering over originally printed word)

Write the letter to his most challenging word(s) on Post-it notes. Place them around the room and let him collect the letters and arrange them correctly.

Magnet letters
Give him the letters he needs to spell a word and have him arrange them in the correct order.

Let him use his finger to write the words in shaving cream, sand, pudding, etc

I also recommend spellingcity.com.

For phonics help, purchase a book such as Skill Builders Phonics http://www.amazon.com/Phonics-Grade-1-Skill-Builders/dp/1... and search the Internet for free phonics practice activities.

You can find some great phonics games at pbskids.org
Super Why
Between the Lions
The Electric Company

Is the teacher worried about his spelling? or is he spelling like a typical second grader?
Are you talking about spelling tests on Friday (strictly memorization) or his actual spelling when he is writing?
Usually the more you read the better you can spell, because your brain sees the words spelled correctly over and over. Have him read more!

My son brings home his spelling pre-test each Monday. If your son doesn't do a pre-test at school, you could test him yourself. I make flashcards for him of the words he misses, and underline the parts of the words that he has trouble with. I put the cards in a ziplock baggy at the kitchen table, and he practices at breakfast all week. Sometimes he practices in the car on the way to/from school, too. This has helped him a lot.

Good luck!

Read, spell, and write together. Find things that you both enjoy and immerse yourself. So much is caught and not taught. I notice that you struggle with spelling, punctuation, and grammar. If you work on your own skills your child will know that these skills are valuable.

You should teach him phonics.

Also, in the evenings during the week, have him write each word 3 times. Writing it will help him to remember it.