Spelling Homework

Our approach to spellings focuses on addressing gaps in patterns and application of understanding. A lot of our curriculum focuses on revisiting previously taught patterns, which is also part of the National Curriculum for Spellings, so that they can be embedded in all aspects of learning.

Children will be given spellings and stuck into the green spelling books to learn weekly. The spellings list will share the focus patterns and rules for the week. The words may be familiar to the children and it is important that, if they know them, they investigate and find other words which follow the pattern to then learn these for their spelling practice. Throughout the week, in school, the patterns/rules will be revisited throughout learning, including up to four 15 minute lessons.

Each week, children will be assessed on their application of the rules/patterns and not necessarily all of the words in the spelling list; this will allow us to assess their understanding and application as well as support their spelling in everyday writing. We will also revisit patterns and rules previously taught. There will not be a score at the end of the test but you will be able to identify any words that have not been spelt correctly to support your child further.

This approach enables spellings to have a longer impact across the curriculum. However, your support and practising at home has an even greater impact on long term memory.

Home learning of spellings can be done in a variety of ways. However, we would like every child to complete the spelling activity provided by school focusing on application of the new pattern (Stuck into spelling books), one other activity from the list below and the Doodle Spell assignment. We recommend that spelling learning should be completed in 5 short bursts of 5 minutes. However, we know that life can be busy and spellings need to be squeezed into a schedule or learned in other, more creative ways. Therefore, spellings can be learnt in different chunks of time if needed. Please ensure that your child spends 25-30 minutes per week overall practising their spellings.

Say, look, cover, write, check

Say the word, look at the word, cover the word, write the word, then check it. Move across the page and do this 4-5 times per word.

Sentences

Write each of the words into sentences. Try to use conjunctions and adjectives.

Rainbow Writing

Write the word out with the correct spellings in different colours, going over the top each time. Say the spelling aloud each time it is written in a different colour.

Written Test

An adult reads the words out and the child writes them down.

Pyramid Writing

Add a new letter of each word on each new line until the full word has been written. Say the letters in the words as they are being written.

Other ideas for learning spellings

Painting
Writing in sand/salt
Practising aloud in the car
Using Squeebles (App)