Spelling

Each year group will provide a list of spellings for their pupils to learn each half term that are based on the National Curriculum spelling rules for either years 3 and 4 or years 5 and 6. There are also word-lists for years 3 and 4 and years 5 and 6 that are statutory. The lists are a mixture of words pupils frequently use in their writing and those which they often misspell. Some of the listed words may be thought of as quite challenging, but the 100 words in each list are taught within the four years of key stage 2 alongside other words that teachers consider appropriate. The word lists are below so that you see which words your child is required to know by the end of year 4 and year 6 and so that you can practise them at home. 

High Frequency Words

 

High frequency words are common words - words that appear very often in written texts. They are a mixture of decodable words (words that can be sounded out) and tricky / exception words (words in which the English spelling code works in an unusual or uncommon way, which means the words have to be learned and recognised by sight).It is really important that children learn how to spell these words as they will make up a large proportion of the words they will be writing in everyday texts. These words were taught throughout the different Phonics Phases in years 1 and 2.

 

If your child struggles with their spelling, we have included a list of 300 high frequency words so that you can support them at home. There are various ways you can support your child with their spelling, for example, why not try:

• Flashcards – A child’s ability to concentrate depends on their individual personality. Five minutes could be enough for some, while others could do more. 
• Cut out high frequency word lists and stick them on a prominent place (the fridge, the back of their cereal packet, etc.), so your child has a visible reminder while they're learning them.
• Magnetic letters – good for helping children with tricky words. Leave some up on the fridge so your child becomes more familiar with the word every time they get a drink. 
• Memory games – place flashcards downwards for a game of pairs.
• Ask your child to look out for high frequency words on signs or advertisements when you’re on a journey or a shopping trip. 
• Choose three or four of the words and help your child make a silly sentence containing as many of them as possible.

 

These activities aren't just for use with high frequency words. They can also be used as fun and interesting ways to learning weekly spellings as well.