How to follow the Spellzone course

Links

You can either:

  • Work through the spelling course in sequence, using the link at the end of each unit to move straight to the next one.
  • Work on certain areas, using the links on the course contents page to select the unit of your choice.
  • Work on certain areas or pages and follow the 'word list' links in the right column to learn the word lists.
  • Simply go direct to word lists through the 'word lists' menu item.

Working through the course

Each unit in the spelling course is numbered:
A normal number e.g. Unit 20, will link to the teaching Unit of that section of the course.  If the number is followed by the letter 'H' e.g. 20H, it will link to the 'Beat the Spell checker' Homophones Test for that section.

Homophones: those words a computer spell-checker can't spot: the words which sound the same but have different spellings for different meanings, for example:

site / sight   brake / break   stationery / stationary

These words are called homophones from the Greek words:

homo: the same phonos: sound

We suggest you look at each section and then decide if that work is at the right level for your needs. If you want to move on, use these links:

  • at the end of each page there is a link to the next stage of that section
  • at the top of each page there is a link to the full list of Program Contents.

At the foot of each page you will find a note of the Unit and page number, and the total number of pages in that Unit, for example: Unit 22 page 8 of 15

You may think some of the early Units are too easy for you. However, it is worth having a look, just to check, as they contain some quite difficult words. For example, in Unit 5 you will find:

  • words which use ch to spell the sound /k/ : character
  • words which use ph to spell the sound /f/ : atmosphere

Logos to look out for

These logos will guide you through the course:

Hear the Sound:
Click on the ear to hear the sound for that Unit.
If you cannot hear anything click here for help.

 
 Teaching point


New Teaching Point:
Next to this logo you will see:
1. The most common ways of spelling the sound you have heard
2. Any rules to help you decide which spelling to use

 

homophones - learn to spell similar sounding words

 

Homophones:
Here you will find the words which the computer spellchecker will not spot: the words which sound the same but have different spelling for different meanings.

 

 

Rule Breakers - these words break spelling rules

 

Rule Breakers:
This logo shows you words that break the spelling rules covered earlier in the Unit.

 

Learning Tip for English spelling

 

Learning Tips:
Next to this logo you will find tips on how to learn and remember difficult words.

 


 

British or US spelling:
These logos draw your attention to spellings which are different in Britain and the USA. You can choose which spelling you wish to study.

 

Think back - help with spelling rules

 

 

Think back:
Sometimes the teaching section will refer back to a teaching point in an earlier Unit. You will also find a direct link to this earlier Unit, in case you wish to review that point.

Spelling learning activities

Off-line activities:
Sometimes you are advised to get some extra practice by working off-line. This can take three forms:

1. Print the page, and study the list of words; you might be asked to make up your own 'Learning Tips' for some words.

 

2. A pile of books may mean you are asked to use a dictionary.

 


3. Sometimes you will be asked to write some words or to make up sentences for words you are learning.

Practice exercises and tests

Throughout the course you can check your progress by completing practice exercises and tests. To do these exercises:

  • click in the first answer box and type your answer
  • move to the next box either by clicking in it - or use the tab key
  • to alter an answer, click in that box and use the delete key.
  • click on 'See how well you've done' to get your work marked.

Again, we suggest you look at each test and decide if you need the practice at this level. You have these options:

  • complete the test
  • skip the test and go on to the next section
  • after the test has been marked for you, you can go back and repeat it if you wish. If you go back to start the test again, this will delete any answers entered so far.

Special markings for words and letters

Sometimes letters or words are in colour to make them stand out. For example:

manage     village     hostage

These symbols are used to help with the understanding of sound:

  • Obliques are used to signify the sound letters make rather than the name: /er/.
  • Short vowels are shown by a breve: ă ĕ ĭ ŏ ŭ.
  • Long vowels are shown by a macron: ā ē ī ō ū.

The glossary at the end of the 'Help' section has more information on these symbols.

Changing the colour and fonts

The combination of colours for background and font was chosen as one that many people find easy to work with. However, some users may prefer different colours and you can change your browser settings to suit yourself by using the accessibility settings to the right of the page.

Text to Speech

Text to Speech services are also available within the accessibility settings.

Translation services

If your first language is not English we recommend using google which translate the site for you.

For help with meanings, and how to pronounce words go to our dictionary which is available on most pages.

 
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Dictionary

testimonials

"Thank goodness for Spellzone during this remote learning phase. The site is easy for students to navigate independently and they're really enjoying the activities and spelling games. You get an awful lot for your money with Spellzone. Really reassuring is the very prompt response with helpdesk queries. I've very rarely needed the helpdesk, but when I have, the issue has been addressed and sorted within a very short time."

Sarah Taggart, Oasis Academy Lord's Hill