We all have them: certain words we just can’t seem to get right. You might breeze through most of your spelling practice only to stumble every time you write necessary, definitely, or friend. These are examples of tricky spelling patterns – words or letter combinations that consistently trip us up. Rather than being random, these errors often reflect underlying patterns or gaps in knowledge. Understanding why we make certain mistakes is the first step towards overcoming them. In this post, we’ll help you recognise your personal spelling sticking points and share practical, low-stress strategies for overcoming recurring spelling mistakes. Whether you're a student, ...
If you’re a teacher juggling multiple subjects and endless admin tasks, spelling can sometimes fall to the bottom of the to-do list. But what if teaching spelling didn’t have to be another stressor? In this post, we’ll explore low-stress spelling techniques that require little to no prep time but still support your students’ learning. Whether you’ve got five minutes to spare or are looking for a fresh routine, these easy spelling strategies will help you teach spelling efficiently. 1. Start with ‘Quick Write’ Spelling Challenge Set a timer for 3–5 minutes and ask students to write as many words as they can from a particular spelling...
When it comes to spelling practice, calming and mindful might not be the first words you think of. Yet, when approached intentionally, spelling exercises can become a quiet moment of focus in a noisy day. In this blog, we’ll explore how mindfulness in spelling can help learners improve concentration, feel more centred, and enjoy the process of learning. By turning spelling into a slow, sensory-rich activity, we can transform it into a mindful practice. What Is Mindfulness and Why Does It Matter? Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment without judgement. It’s often used to help people manage stress, build focus, and reconnect with their sense...
We all stumble over certain words when writing, even the ones we use all the time. Some spellings just refuse to stick – whether it’s too many double letters, missing vowels, or letters that sound like they shouldn’t be there. In this post, we’ll explore commonly misspelled words and share helpful, learner-friendly tricks for remembering them. These are words you’ll see often, so it’s well worth taking a moment to get familiar with their quirks. By the end, you’ll have a set of easy-to-recall strategies to tackle even the most troublesome spelling words. 1. Why Do These Words Trip Us Up? Before we jump into the list, let’s ask: wh...
Jamie Oliver is back in the headlines — not for taking on junk food this time, but for championing children with dyslexia in his new Channel 4 documentary Jamie’s Dyslexia Revolution. It’s a subject that hits close to home: Oliver himself didn’t read his first book until he was 33 and recalls feeling ‘stupid’ at school, isolated during special lessons, and left behind by a system not designed for learners like him. In the documentary, Oliver puts a spotlight on the difficult realities many dyslexic students face every day. Ten to fifteen per cent of pupils in every UK classroom are thought to have dyslexia — but their needs are often overlooked. P...
What if every subject in school could help children become better spellers? By embedding spelling practice across all subjects in primary schools, teachers can reinforce literacy in ways that feel meaningful and memorable. This cross-curricular spelling approach not only builds confidence with words but also helps pupils see spelling as a natural part of everyday learning – not just something that happens in English lessons. In this blog, we’ll explore creative strategies for spelling beyond English lessons, offering fresh ideas for reinforcing spelling in all subjects. Why Spelling Shouldn’t Be Limited to English Lessons Literacy underpins success across the cu...
Spelling can be a source of frustration and anxiety for many students. For teachers, supporting reluctant learners often means moving away from traditional methods and adopting approaches that focus on confidence, engagement, and wellbeing. This blog explores how to teach spelling to reluctant learners using low-stress and holistic strategies that honour each student’s learning journey. Understanding Why Some Students Resist Spelling Before we explore some spelling solutions, it helps to recognise some of the reasons behind a resistance to learning: Fear of failure: Repeated struggles with spelling tests or red-marked corrections can create a fear of getting things ...
English spelling can be one of the most frustrating parts of learning the language. Words that look similar on the page are sometimes pronounced differently. Words that sound the same are often spelled in completely different ways. If you've ever found yourself wondering why English spelling is hard, you're not alone. English spelling might seem unpredictable, but understanding its history can help make it easier to learn. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the reasons English spelling feels so inconsistent and share practical advice for overcoming spelling inconsistencies. We hope these tips will help you navigate English spelling with more confidence. Why English ...
English spelling doesn’t always play fair. Just when you think you’ve learned a rule, a word comes along and ignores it completely. Why does friend have an ie when it sounds more like frend? Why is there a d in Wednesday that we never say? If you’ve ever felt confused by words that don’t sound like how they’re spelled, you’re not alone – and you’re not doing anything wrong. These tricky words are common, but they’re also easier to learn than you might think. Why Are Some Spellings Trickier Than Others? There are a few reasons why English spelling can feel unexpected: English has taken words from many different languag...
English is famous for its unpredictable spelling and pronunciation rules. This can make learning pronunciation a challenge, even for fluent speakers. From silent letters to unexpected letter combinations, let’s explore some of the key spelling pronunciation challenges in English and how to navigate them. The Problem: Spelling vs Pronunciation One of the biggest hurdles in English is the disconnect between spelling and pronunciation. Unlike other languages, where words are pronounced as they are written, English spelling is full of inconsistencies. This is largely due to its rich linguistic history, which includes influences from Latin, French, Germanic languages, and more. A...
For many students, spelling tests can feel like a high-stakes challenge rather than a learning opportunity. Anxiety, pressure to perform, and fear of failure can turn assessments into a stressful experience. However, when approached with the right mindset, spelling tests are a powerful tool for building confidence while imroving spelling. This blog explores how parents and teachers can help students develop a positive relationship with assessments, using spelling tests as a means to track progress, reinforce learning, and boost confidence. Reframing Spelling Tests as a Tool for Growth Instead of seeing spelling tests as something to be feared, encourage students to view them as a wa...
Have you ever wondered if you should double a letter when spelling a word? Double letters can be tricky, but once you learn the patterns, they’re much easier to remember. In this blog, we’ll explain the simple rules behind double letters, give you helpful tips, and share fun activities that will help students with their spelling with confidence. Understanding Double Letters: A Quick Overview Some spellings include double letter patterns, like in butter or address. Recognising the patterns help you avoid common spelling mistakes and improve your spelling skills. Common Rules for Double Letters Short Vowel Sounds Followed by Double Consonants When a short vowel sound...
Spelling can be one of the trickier aspects of learning English. The mix of rules, patterns, and exceptions can leave both students and educators feeling frustrated. But understanding why spelling rules matter can help students make sense of seemingly complicated words and patterns. In this post, we’ll explore how rules can simplify spelling and share practical tips for teaching English spelling patterns in a way that’s both engaging and effective. The Power of Spelling Rules One of the main reasons spelling rules are so important is that they provide a framework for students to understand the often-unpredictable nature of English spelling. By introducing spelling rules in ...
At Spellzone, we are always striving to provide the best possible spelling resource for students, teachers, and schools. That’s why we’re delighted to share the latest findings from our independent Pedagogical Quality re-evaluation, which reaffirms Spellzone as a high-quality, effective learning tool. A Strong Endorsement of Quality Conducted by EdTech Impact, this re-evaluation highlights how Spellzone continues to offer a robust and engaging learning experience. Key findings from the report include: A wealth of learning opportunities: Spellzone provides a vast range of online exercises, games, and activities, alongside printable worksheets for classroom use. ...
Looking for a creative way to help students improve their spelling? Visualisation techniques can transform how learners remember tricky words by making spelling more engaging, memorable, and fun. Instead of rote memorisation, students connect words to vivid mental images, making recall easier and more effective. In this blog, we’ll explore powerful visual spelling techniques that teachers can use in the classroom, along with practical activities to bring these ideas to life. Why Visualisation Works for Spelling When students associate words with striking mental pictures, they create stronger memory connections. This technique is particularly useful for: Irregular spellings ...
Looking for a simple, effective way to help your students learn spelling? The answer may be sitting right in front of them: reading! Reading teaches students to recognise words in context. When students read regularly, they become more familiar with the spelling of words, learning them in a way that sticks. Why Reading Boosts Spelling Skills When students read, they don’t just encounter words—they actively learn how to spell them. Here’s how reading helps: Contextual Understanding: Students pick up words in context, which strengthens their understanding of how to use them and how to spell them correctly. Repeated Exposure: The more students see a word...
Why Do Some Letter Combinations Make Spelling Tricky? English spelling is full of patterns that can be difficult to predict. Why does phone start with ‘ph’ instead of ‘f’? Why do chef and chess share the same first letters but sound different? These inconsistencies can be frustrating at first, but once students start to recognise common letter patterns, spelling becomes more manageable. By understanding patterns such as ‘ph’, ‘ch’, and ‘sh’, students will develop stronger spelling skills and greater confidence in their writing. In this article, we’ll explore how these letter combinations influence pronunciation and provi...
Are your spelling word lists truly helping your students succeed, or could they be more engaging and effective? A well-designed list does more than provide words to memorise—it helps students recognise patterns, improve accuracy, and build confidence in writing. But with varying ability levels and an endless choice of words, selecting the right ones can be a challenge. In this guide, we’ll explore how to create spelling word lists that not only support learning objectives but also keep students motivated and make spelling practice more meaningful. Why Thoughtfully Designed Spelling Word Lists Matter Not all spelling word lists are created equal. Lists that are too long o...
Looking for a way to help your students decode complex words with ease? Teaching root words might be the game-changer your classroom needs. Root words not only make spelling more manageable but also help students uncover the meaning of unfamiliar terms. In this blog, we’ll explore how understanding root words can transform learning, provide actionable strategies for teaching them, and share creative activities to make lessons engaging. Why Teach Root Words? Root words form the foundation of many English words. By identifying these building blocks, students can: Improve spelling accuracy: Recognising patterns in root words helps students break down and spell complex words. ...
Hyphens are used to clarify meaning, sharpen ideas, and ensure smooth, effective communication.. Whether you're a teacher guiding students, a parent assisting with homework, or a learner aiming to sharpen your skills, understanding how to use hyphens can simplify your writing and boost your confidence. In this blog, we'll explore how to use hyphens, as well as share tricky examples and practical activities to help you learn them. Why Do We Use Hyphenated Words? Hyphens serve as connectors. They clarify meaning, prevent misreading, and improve readability. In some cases, they combine words into compound adjectives (e.g. well-known author), while in others, they help form compoun...
American vs. British English
Common Mistakes
Commonly Confused Words
English Idioms Explained
English Literature
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Mindful Spelling
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Spelling Games
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Spelling Tips
Spellzone Tips & Tools
Supporting Adult Learners
Supporting Dyslexic Learners
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"Spellzone fits in beautifully with our Scope and Sequence of Phonological Awareness and Spelling. It also aligns perfectly with the four areas of spelling knowledge and uses the Brain, Ears, Eyes approach to learning spelling."
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