Spellings

Key Spelling Tips for Parents

1. Focus on Sounds First

• Encourage children to say the word out loud and break it into sounds (phonemes).

• Example: cat → /c/ /a/ /t/

• Spelling at this age is about phonetic attempts, not perfection.

2. Accept “Good Try” Spellings

• If a child spells frend for friend, praise the effort.

• Correct spellings can be modelled later without discouraging them.

3. Short, Regular Practice

• 5–10 minutes a day is far better than one long session a week.

• Stop before your child gets tired or frustrated.

4. Link Spelling to Reading

• The more children read, the more spelling patterns they absorb naturally.

• Point out familiar words in books, signs, and packaging.

5. Use the Right Language

• Talk about sounds, not letter names.

• Example: say “/sh/” not “ess–aitch”.

Fun Spelling Activities for Year 1

🎲 1. Sound Games

• Say a word and ask your child to count the sounds using fingers.

• Try stretching the word: ssss–uuuu–nnnn.

✍️ 2. Rainbow Writing

• Write a word once, then trace it over using different colours.

• Great for common words like the, said, was.

🧱 3. Build Words

• Use magnetic letters, letter cards, or tiles.

• Say a word and let your child build it sound by sound.

🧼 4. Messy Spelling (Very Popular!)

• Write words in:

  • Sand

  • Shaving foam

  • Rice or flour

  • With a paintbrush and water outside

🗣️ 5. Say It, Tap It, Write It

• Say the word

• Tap each sound on the table

• Write the word

🎵 6. Songs and Rhymes

• Use phonics songs (especially for tricky sounds like ai, ee, igh).

• Rhymes help children remember spelling patterns.

🏷️ 7. Label the House

• Label objects: door, bed, cup, chair.

• Read them together daily.

High-Frequency & Tricky Words (Practice Gently)

Year 1 children often learn words like:

• the, said, was, you, are, to, do

• These can’t always be sounded out, so repetition and games help.

Try:

• Flashcards

• Matching games

• “Spot the word” in books