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From sound spelling to correct spelling

Your child writes “I lik my dog” or “wen we went to the prk”. Writing by sound is a good stage: research shows children who sound-spell in kindergarten often read and spell better later. The next step is learning the patterns.

For: Parents, teachers and therapists of children aged 4 to 8

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A cover page with the plan, then 7 worksheets in order (8 pages). Free, no sign-up.

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Why it happens

  • Sound spelling shows your child hears the sounds in words.
  • English spelling has patterns (like magic e and vowel teams) that have to be taught.
  • Some words have a tricky part that must be learned by heart.

What helps

  • Praise the sounds your child got right.
  • Teach one pattern at a time and practise it in reading and spelling.
  • Map tricky words: mark only the unusual part.
  • Use dictation for short, regular practice.

The planstep by step.

  1. 1Every sound

    Sound boxes and dictation.

    Sound Boxes (Elkonin Boxes) Worksheet: DigraphsKindergarten – Grade 1Dictation Worksheet: Digraphs WordsKindergarten – Grade 1

  2. 2Tricky words

    Heart word mapping.

    Heart Word Mapping Worksheet 1: the, to, said, was, of, youKindergarten – Grade 1Heart Word Mapping Worksheet 2: are, come, some, do, what, theyKindergarten – Grade 1

  3. 3Patterns

    Spelling lists by pattern.

    Spelling List 6: SH words (Look, Cover, Write)Grade 1Spelling List 13: Magic e: a_e words (Look, Cover, Write)Grade 1AI and AY Spelling Practice: Look, Cover, WriteGrade 1

When to ask for help

Ask the teacher if spelling stays very hard after 2nd grade, especially if it does not follow sounds (missing or jumbled sounds) and reading is also hard.

These worksheets are practice materials, not a diagnosis or a treatment. Every child develops at their own pace. If you are worried, talk to your child’s teacher, doctor or a specialist.

Questions

Questions about from sound spelling to correct spelling

Still have questions? Visit our Help Center or get in touch.

Should I let my child spell words wrong?
In early writing, yes: let ideas flow and praise the sounds. In separate spelling practice, teach the correct patterns.

Related packs

Hearing every sound in a word (and spelling it)9 worksheets · free PDFHeart words: map the tricky part12 worksheets · free PDFWhen your child does not want to write9 worksheets · free PDF

Sources

The LetterSchool app

Between worksheets: practise in the app

The same letter shapes as this sheet, with instant feedback on every line, animations and stars. Children play, and learn the right formation.

Try the app for freeHow it works