Essential Lists
The 290 that make up the essential word lists are used most often when we write. Together they make up about 75% of most writing, so they are very important. These words have been arranged in alphabetical order and put in lists according to how often they are used. Because these words are used so often, it is very important that we learn to spell each one.
New Zealand Curriculum Levels
Level 1 (Year 1/2):
Students who are spelling proficiently at level 1 will be able to spell some high frequency words (Lists 1-3) correctly.
Level 2 (Year 3/4):
Students who are spelling proficiently at level 2 will be able to spell most high frequency words (Lists 1-4) correctly.
Level 3 (Year 5/6):
Students who are spelling proficiently at level 3 will be able to spell most high frequency words (Lists 1-6) correctly.
Level 4 (Year 7/8):
Students who are spelling proficiently at level 4 will have few errors within high frequency words (Lists 1-7). Year 8 students should have control over the spelling of most commonly misspelt words.
New Zealand Curriculum Levels
Level 1 (Year 1/2):
Students who are spelling proficiently at level 1 will be able to spell some high frequency words (Lists 1-3) correctly.
Level 2 (Year 3/4):
Students who are spelling proficiently at level 2 will be able to spell most high frequency words (Lists 1-4) correctly.
Level 3 (Year 5/6):
Students who are spelling proficiently at level 3 will be able to spell most high frequency words (Lists 1-6) correctly.
Level 4 (Year 7/8):
Students who are spelling proficiently at level 4 will have few errors within high frequency words (Lists 1-7). Year 8 students should have control over the spelling of most commonly misspelt words.
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Words ro read, write and recognise
Lists that can help your child. Remember that spelling is a written skill, so practise writing the words as well as spelling aloud.
Spelling activity ideas
Spelling activity ideas
- Paint the words with water outside on concrete
- Make them out of playdough
- Rainbow writing- write each word in 7 colours over the top of the first one you write
- Write your word in a sentence
- Spell your word using magnetic letters
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Learning Your Words
LOOK, SAY, COVER, WRITE, CHECK
LOOK at the word you want to learn, and I mean really look. Which bits of the spelling are easy and which are not so obvious? Mark the 'hard spots', that is the difficult part of the word, using a different colour pen. Is the word similar in spelling to another word that has a related meaning? Can you break it into parts? Have a really good look and think about the spelling until you think you can spell it.
SAY the word, while looking at it. Is the spelling a reflection of the sound? If not what is different?
COVER the word with your hand or a piece of paper. Close your eyes and try to 'see' the word in your head.
WRITE it.
CHECK your spelling by uncovering the word and comparing it with your spelling. Check it letter by letter. If it's wrong, start again; if it's right, celebrate how clever you are.
Even better, do it online. There are some great web sites in the student zone of the school website.
LOOK at the word you want to learn, and I mean really look. Which bits of the spelling are easy and which are not so obvious? Mark the 'hard spots', that is the difficult part of the word, using a different colour pen. Is the word similar in spelling to another word that has a related meaning? Can you break it into parts? Have a really good look and think about the spelling until you think you can spell it.
SAY the word, while looking at it. Is the spelling a reflection of the sound? If not what is different?
COVER the word with your hand or a piece of paper. Close your eyes and try to 'see' the word in your head.
WRITE it.
CHECK your spelling by uncovering the word and comparing it with your spelling. Check it letter by letter. If it's wrong, start again; if it's right, celebrate how clever you are.
Even better, do it online. There are some great web sites in the student zone of the school website.
