What is a recommended method for helping students learn irregular words?

Tracing and copying is effective for helping students learn irregular words because it engages multiple senses in the learning process. This method allows students to physically engage with the spelling of irregular words by tracing them, which can reinforce their visual memory of the word's form. The act of writing or copying can also aid in motor memory, thereby making it easier for students to recall the word when needed. Additionally, this approach allows for repetition, which is vital in reinforcing recognition of irregular spellings that do not follow typical phonetic rules.

While other methods like group reading, using flashcards, and listening to audio have their own merits, they may not provide the same level of tactile engagement and repeated practice that tracing and copying do. Group reading can foster comprehension and context, but may not focus specifically on the spelling of irregular words. Flashcards are useful for rapid recognition but might not engage writing skills, and listening to audio can aid in pronunciation but does not directly reinforce spelling capabilities. Therefore, tracing and copying stands out as a holistic approach for mastering irregular word forms.