Mastering Tricky Words

Curriculum Area

English – Writing (Spelling)
Aligned with the English National Curriculum (KS1, Year 2):

• Pupils should be able to spell common exception words, homophones, and words with contracted forms.
• They should also develop word recognition and spelling strategies.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, pupils will:

1. Accurately spell the following words:
   what, because, why, my, we, would, should, always, could, everybody.
2. Use strategies such as syllabification, mnemonics, and phonics to help remember tricky words.
3. Apply these words in sentences verbally and in writing.

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Lesson Structure (30 minutes)

1. Warm-Up – Spelling Call & Response (5 minutes)

• Display the words on the board.
• Read each word aloud and have students repeat after you.
• Clap the syllables of each word (e.g., "every-body" = 3 claps).
• Challenge students to spot patterns (e.g., "could, would, should" all end in "-ould").

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2. Memory Story – 'The Mystery of the Missing Owl' (10 minutes)

• Tell a short, engaging story where these words are essential. Example:

  "One day, we were walking in the forest because we heard an owl. ‘Why is it so dark?’ I asked. ‘What is that sound?’ Then, suddenly, the owl flew away! I thought, ‘I should follow it, but I could get lost!’ Everybody looked worried..."

• Pause after each key word. Students say the word aloud when they hear it.

• After the story, display missing words on the board and have students fill in the blanks.

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3. Spelling Strategy Race (10 minutes)

• Divide students into groups of 4-5.
• Provide mini whiteboards and markers.
• Call out one of the tricky words. Groups write it and hold up their board.
• Bonus challenge: Ask them to use the word in a short sentence.

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4. Independent Challenge – Word Art (5 minutes)

• Provide paper and coloured pencils.
• Each student picks a tricky word and designs it creatively (e.g., turning “always” into a rainbow, “why” into a question mark).
• Extension: Pupils write a sentence using their word.

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Assessment & Plenary

• Exit Check: Ask students to spell one tricky word before they leave the lesson.
• Peer Review: Pair students and have them quiz each other on spelling.
• Reflection Question: "Which word was easiest to remember and why?"

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Differentiation and Support

• For struggling pupils: Provide word mats or air-write letters before spelling.
• For advanced learners: Challenge them to compose a silly sentence using all 10 words.

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Resources & Materials

• Whiteboard & markers
• Mini whiteboards
• Word mats with visual cues
• Story prompts

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Teacher's Reflection

• What went well?
• Were certain words harder for pupils?
• How can strategies be reinforced in the next lesson?

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This lesson blends storytelling, movement, visuals, and friendly competition, making spelling rewarding and memorable! 🎉