Many students today seldom pay much attention to spelling in their English writing.Just a quick glance over a student's paper will many spelling errors.Some very common mistakes even effect the meaning,for example,"he" vs "she"; "fried" vs "friend".
The reasons for misspelling are simple.Many students hold the idea that small things do not matter-----and spelling seems to be a small thing.With this view of life,a general attitude of laziness and carelessness quickly prevails.
I think spelling competition could be a fun way to change this situation,but more effective approaches are also neccessary.English teachers should point out spelling errors to remind students that little things in life are truly important.