Spelling tricky words
Some words can be more difficult to learn to spell than others.
It is important to practise reading and spelling these tricky words so you get them right.
Watch: Spelling tips
Watch this Teacher Talk to practise some of these tricky words with Mr McPartlin. Listen carefully and join in!
Can you remember all these tricky spellings?
[THEME MUSIC]
[SCHOOL BELL RING]
Hello, I'm Mr McPartlin and today we're going to learn a few hard to spell words.
It's not just witches who need to know that spelling. We all do. Sometimes we can use our knowledge of sounds when we're working out how to spell a word. For instance, with some words we can sound them out, like ‘cat’ … C … A … T… Cat.
But there are some tricky words like these ones that do not follow the rules. So, we have to be creative to learn how to spell them.
It takes lots of practice for witches to remember their spells. And the same goes for spelling. One way is to practise reading the word and saying it out loud.
Let's start with these five words. When I say a word, I'd like you to repeat it back to me.
Here… is… the… school… house.
Each of these words sound different to how they are written. So, we need to learn them each one by one. Reading the words out loud can really help us remember how to spell them. A perfect recipe for a spelling spell.
Well done! You're definitely ready for my next spelling top tip. This time I'm going to reveal a word from the cauldron. A letter at a time. I'd like you to shout out what you think the next letter will be to form the word. Ready? Okay.
G…O… That's right, ‘go’. Well done. We use the word ‘go’ all the time and sentences, such as ‘go over there’ and ‘ready, set, go!’
Ready for the next one? Here we ‘go’. See what I did there?
S… C…H… O… O… L… School. Did you shout the letters out to finish the word with me too? Well done!
Next up. I wonder whether you would help me with the next tricky words. Some words sound similar but have very different spellings. Have a listen to these words.
One… When… Once… Where. Now, say them after me.
One… When… Once… Where. Did your mouth also make this shape…? Me too.
Here are the words written down. I'd like you to sort the words into two groups. Words that begin with ‘WH’ go into the cauldron and words that do not begin with ‘WH’ stay where they are. Remember, you can pause the video if you need more time. Are you ready?
Brilliant. ‘When’ and ‘where’ belong in the cauldron. They both start with ‘WH,’ whereas ‘one’ and ‘once’ stay where they are. They don't start with ‘WH.’ When it comes to tricky words to spell, read the word out loud and practise revealing the word. One letter at a time. But most importantly, have fun! Because remember, what's a witch's favourite lesson? Spell-ing!
For more help, challenges and games on this subject visit bbc.co.uk/bitesize.
Top tip
Remember Mr McPartlin's advice – when you are learning a new spelling:
- read the word out loud.
- practise revealing the word one letter at a time.
Activity 1
Do you know the difference between ‘one’ and ‘once’?
One is a number. We use it to count objects. For example:
I have one pencil.
Once means ‘one time’. We use it to describe how many times an event has or will happen. For example:
I’ve been swimming once.
Write a sentence of your own using the word ‘one’.
Now write a sentence using the word ‘once’.
Pay close attention to your spelling!
Activity 2
Choose the correct tricky words to complete the sentences.
Activity 3
Read the sentences below then choose the correct spelling of the tricky word.
Write out the sentences with the correct spelling.
1. He will (luv / love) that teddy bear.
2. I only need (one / wone) banana.
3. I’ve already called you (wonce / once) today!
4. She will (bee / be) here soon.
5. I think (your / ure) bag is here.
You can check your answers using this answer sheet.
Karate Cats English game! game
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