Spellings

This term, we have begun introducing the children to the strategy Look, Write, Cover, Check to help them learn and remember tricky words. This approach encourages children to carefully observe a word, practise writing it, and then check their accuracy, supporting both their spelling and independence. Research shows that regular, active recall and handwriting practice helps to strengthen memory and spelling accuracy.

During the Spring term, the children practised spelling through their phonics books, focusing on applying the sounds and spelling patterns they had been taught in their daily phonics lessons. This approach ensures that spelling is meaningful and directly linked to their developing phonic knowledge.

We do not send home weekly spelling lists or tests. Instead, children practise and apply their spelling skills continuously within their writing across the curriculum. Evidence shows that learning spellings in context, rather than through isolated tests, leads to better long-term retention and enables children to use their spelling skills more effectively in real writing situations.

If you’d like to practise spelling at home, you can explore fun and creative ways to reinforce what your child is learning. Below are a few ideas. 

• Practise tricky words a little and often

           Use the Look, Write, Cover, Check method we use in school. Short, regular practice (5–10 minutes) is far more effective               than longer sessions.

• Encourage writing in everyday situations
  Ask your child to write shopping lists, labels, cards, or little notes. This helps them apply spelling in meaningful contexts.

• Talk about sounds and patterns
  When spelling words, encourage your child to say the sounds aloud and spot familiar phonics patterns (e.g. ai, ee, igh).

• Focus on tricky parts of words
  Help your child notice the parts of words that are harder to remember and practise those specifically.

• Read regularly together
  Reading helps children see correct spelling patterns and builds familiarity with common words.

• Keep it fun and interactive
  Use games such as rainbow writing, magnetic letters, chalk writing, or spelling words with actions to keep children engaged.

• Praise effort and independence
  Encourage your child to “have a go” at spelling when writing, even if it’s not perfect—this builds confidence and resilience.

Thank you for supporting your child’s learning at home!