How to find a test word: tips for schoolchildren and their parents

An important task in teaching the Russian language is the formation of the child's skills of literate and correct writing. To do this, students are encouraged to learn the rules, perform certain exercises. In some cases, in order to write correctly, it is sufficient to simply select a test word. But the child must remember the algorithm of this operation, as well as the cases when it can be applied.

So, in spelling there is a rule regarding a unstressed vowel at the root. To determine which letter should be written, the student must choose a single root word so that the stressed sound is stressed. Examples are simple cases such as "cat-cat". Here it should be noted that the test word should not only be single-root, but also close in lexical meaning.

In Russian there are homophones. These words have the same pronunciation, but different lexical meanings. For example, homophones will "reconcile" and "try on." In the first case, the verb originated from the noun "peace" (reconcile comrades), and in the second - from "measure" (try on clothes). Therefore, choosing the test word, you need to consider its meaning.

The program of the school includes not only simple cases, but also more complex ones, when there is an alternation at the root. An example is the word "absorb". It is checked by the noun "pharynx". Children need to explain the essence of the process of alternation, and how it happens. Another example is the "taming". The test word in this case will be "meek" or "gentleness." It is important for the child to become acquainted with the lexical meaning, and also to show such cases (simplify, etc.).

A test word to an unstressed sound can not always be selected. There are exceptions, the writing of which is influenced by the historical patterns of language development. Schoolchildren are encouraged to simply remember them. Usually they are included in the dictionaries that are available in the textbooks.

There are situations where the rule is not as easy to apply as it seems. For example, it often causes difficulties for children to write the word "gray". The verifying word in this case can be taken "sed", however, it almost came out of use, and it can be found only in some literary works. In addition, you can take a diminutive caress "gray", which is also found rarely in speech.

In order to teach students to select a test word according to this rule, it is recommended to use a certain algorithm. You can take those that are offered by the authors of the curriculum, or make up with the students themselves (in the latter case, the best memory effect is noted).

An example is the following algorithm. First, a spelling is allocated. Next, one-root words are chosen (at the beginning of the same part of speech, if not, then another). It is concluded whether it is possible to test the unstressed sound in this way. If yes - we write correctly, otherwise - we turn to the dictionary.

Constant consolidation of the rules and exercises aimed at this are the basis of success and one more step towards mastering the charter.