WHAKAMĀRAMA SCHOOL
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Te Kura ō Whakamārama 
​"Growing a Positive Learning Attitude"
Te whanake ake he akomanga ngākau reka








​ 

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.
essential_list_1-4.pdf
File Size: 35 kb
File Type: pdf
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essential_list_5-6.pdf
File Size: 32 kb
File Type: pdf
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essential_list_7__cm.pdf
File Size: 33 kb
File Type: pdf
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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
  1. Paint the words with water outside on concrete
  2. Make them out of playdough
  3. Rainbow writing- write each word in 7 colours over the top of the first one you write
  4. Write your word in a sentence
  5. Spell your word using magnetic letters
Click on the files below to download the spelling lists. You should know how to spell all words correctly ( you can get 3 wrong), before learning a new list. Choose 5 words to learn over a week. 
Set A: 5 yrs
File Size: 25 kb
File Type: pdf
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Set B
File Size: 16 kb
File Type: pdf
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Set C: 6yrs
File Size: 17 kb
File Type: pdf
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Set D
File Size: 17 kb
File Type: pdf
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Set E
File Size: 16 kb
File Type: pdf
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Set F: 7 yrs
File Size: 15 kb
File Type: pdf
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Set G
File Size: 17 kb
File Type: pdf
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Set H
File Size: 16 kb
File Type: pdf
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Set I: 8 yrs
File Size: 18 kb
File Type: pdf
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Set J
File Size: 17 kb
File Type: pdf
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Set K
File Size: 17 kb
File Type: pdf
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Set L: 9 yrs
File Size: 17 kb
File Type: pdf
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Set M
File Size: 18 kb
File Type: pdf
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Set N
File Size: 16 kb
File Type: pdf
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Set O: 10 yrs
File Size: 19 kb
File Type: pdf
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Set P
File Size: 21 kb
File Type: pdf
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Set Q
File Size: 19 kb
File Type: pdf
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Set U: 12 yrs
File Size: 19 kb
File Type: pdf
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Set R: 11 yrs
File Size: 18 kb
File Type: pdf
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Set S
File Size: 21 kb
File Type: pdf
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Set T
File Size: 22 kb
File Type: pdf
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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.


  • Home
  • Our Place
    • School Information
    • Our People
    • Our Vision
    • Our Values
    • Our Board >
      • Our Charter
      • Our Annual Report
    • ERO (Education Review Office)
    • School Calendar
    • Contact Us >
      • Online Absentee Form
  • Learning
    • Acknowledgement of Achievement Whakanui i te Whakatutukitanga
    • Garden to Table
    • Conservation Education
    • Home Learning >
      • Games to Support Number Facts & Knowledge
      • Basic Facts
      • Spelling
  • Information for Parents
    • Newsletters 2022
    • Policies & Procedures
    • Mathematics in the Home
    • How is my child doing?
    • Support Your Child on the Internet
  • Photo Gallery 2022
    • Photo Gallery 2021
    • Photo Gallery 2020
    • Photo Gallery 2019
    • Photo Gallery 2018
    • Photo Gallery 2017
    • Photo Gallery 2016
    • Photo Gallery 2015