Youth Connection Association

✏️ Spelling Buddies

Where letters click and confidence sticks. A playful, structured program that turns tricky words into everyday wins.

What We Do

Hands-on spelling that’s fun, phonics-first, and progress-driven — perfect for early readers and anyone who needs a confidence boost.

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Phonics & Sound Patterns

Short/long vowels, blends, digraphs, and common spelling rules taught in simple, repeatable steps.

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Word Families & Morphology

-at, -ing, -tion — learn roots, prefixes, and suffixes to unlock bigger words fast.

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Games & Movement

Letter tiles, whiteboards, speed rounds, and mini-challenges that make accuracy exciting.

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Weekly “Mini Bees”

Friendly micro-competitions with badges and stickers — progress you can see and celebrate.

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Memory Strategies

Chunking, tapping, and visual cues for those classic “rule breakers” and tricky exceptions.

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Parent Tips & Take-Home Packs

Five-minute practice sheets and fridge-friendly word lists that keep wins going at home.

How It Works

Quick Check-In: A friendly assessment to place learners at the right level.
Buddy Groups: Small cohorts (3–6 learners) by age/skill for focused attention.
Weekly Sessions: 45–60 minutes with games, drills, and a “mini bee.”
Progress Cards: Simple targets and stickers; milestone badges every 4 weeks.

Optional one-on-one add-ons available for learners who need extra support.

“Spell it. Say it. Own it. Confidence grows one sound at a time.”
— Youth Connection Association

Who Can Join & When

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Ages

Ideal for ages 6–12; older learners welcome if building foundational spelling.

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Schedule

After-school, Mon–Fri + Saturday mornings. New cohorts start every 4 weeks.

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Format

In-person groups or live virtual sessions. All materials provided.

Ready to help your child own their words?

Pick a cohort and we’ll send your welcome pack + first word list right away.

Join Spelling Buddies

STILL NOT SURE?

Frequently Asked Questions

We understand the importance of clarity and are here to provide answers to your most common queries.

1. What is Youth Connection Association for Academic Excellence?

We are a non-profit community organization based in Windsor, Ontario, dedicated to empowering youth through academic support, mentorship, mental health programs, creative arts, job readiness, and community engagement.

2. Who can join your programs?

Our programs are open to children, teens, and young adults (ages 8–25). Some programs are age-specific (e.g. tutoring for school-age youth, job readiness for older teens/young adults).

3. Do I need to pay to join?

Most of our programs are free or low-cost, thanks to grants, donations, and community support. Some special events may require a small registration fee, but we never turn away youth because of financial barriers.