An important task in teaching the Russian language is the formation of the child's skills in competent and correct writing. For this, students are encouraged to memorize the rules, perform certain exercises. In some cases, to write correctly, just pick a test word. But the child should remember the algorithm of this operation, as well as the cases when it can be applied.
So, in spelling there is a rule regarding unstressed vowels in the root. In order to determine which letter should be written, the student must choose such a one- root word so that the sound under test is stressed. An example is such simple cases as "cats - cat." It should be noted here that the test word should be not only cognate, 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 be "reconcile" and "try on." In the first case, the verb came from the noun "peace" (to reconcile comrades), and in the second - from "measure" (try on clothes). Therefore, choosing a test word, it is necessary to take into account its meaning.
The school curriculum includes not only simple cases, but also more complex ones, when there is an alternation in the root. An example is the word absorb. It is verified by the noun "throat." Children need to explain the essence of the alternation process, and how it happens. Another example is taming. The test word in this case will be "meek" or "meekness." Here it is important to familiarize the child with the lexical meaning, as well as show similar cases (simplify, etc.).
The test word for an unstressed sound can not always be picked up. There are exceptions, the spelling of which is influenced by the historical laws of language development. Schoolchildren are invited to simply remember them. Usually they are included in dictionaries that are available in textbooks.
There are situations when the rule is not as easy to apply as it seems. For example, it is often difficult for children to write the word gray-haired. In this case, the test word can be taken as “sed,” however, it has practically gone out of use, and it can only be found in some literary works. In addition, you can take the diminutive-graying "gray", which is also quite rare in speech.
In order to teach students to select a test word for this rule, it is recommended to use a certain algorithm. You can take those that the authors of the curriculum offer, or compose them yourself (in the latter case, the best effect of memorization is noted).
An example is the following algorithm. Firstly, the spelling is highlighted. Then one-root words are selected (at the beginning of the same part of speech, if it does not work out, then another). The conclusion is made whether it is possible to check unstressed sound in this way. If yes - we write correctly, otherwise - we turn to the dictionary.
Constantly fixing the rules and exercises aimed at this are the basis of success and another step towards mastering literacy.