Spelling Strategies Digraphs

Overview

This 30-minute lesson is designed for Primary 3-4 students (ages 7-9) to master spelling strategies for digraphs. It is lesson 11 of 16 in the unit Blends and Digraphs Mastery, fully aligned with the National Curriculum for England (English Programme of Study: Year 3/4 Spelling).

National Curriculum Links

Spelling (Year 3-4):
Use further prefixes and suffixes and understand how to add them (English Appendix 1).
Use the first two or three letters of a word to check its spelling in a dictionary.
Spell words containing each of the 40+ phonemes already taught.
Spell common homophones and near-homophones.
Spell words with prefixes and suffixes and understand how to apply spelling rules, particularly for vowel digraphs and consonant digraphs.
Reading & Writing (Word Reading & Spelling):
Apply knowledge of spelling patterns and strategies systematically.

Learning Objectives (WALT)

WALT: Use effective strategies to spell words containing digraphs.
Spell common digraphs confidently in written work.
Use visual aids and mnemonic devices to remember spelling patterns.
Self-assess spelling with teacher guidance and peer feedback.

Success Criteria

I can identify digraph patterns within words.
I can use visual clues to spell words with digraphs correctly.
I can practise and apply spelling strategies independently and in pairs.
I can check my spelling with a dictionary or word bank.

Resources

Magnetic whiteboard and letters
Visual flashcards showing common digraphs (e.g., sh, ch, th, ph, wh)
Word cards and sentence strips
Dyslexia-friendly fonts worksheet (large print, sans-serif)
Mini dictionaries or classroom word banks
Coloured overlays (optional, for dyslexia support)
Timer or stopwatch

Structure & Activities

Time	Activity	Details & Differentiation
0-5m	Hook & Activation	Brief warm-up: Identify digraphs in familiar words (e.g., shark, chip). Use magnetic letters to build words on board. Engage visual learners with flashcards.
5-10m	Introduction to Strategies	Discuss spelling strategies like:

Breaking words into phonemes and digraphs.
Using mnemonics ("sh" sounds like a quiet hush).
Visualising words (picture association for words like "phone" or "thumb").
Use visual aids and repeat with choral response. | | 10-20m| Guided Practice | Pupils work in pairs to complete exercise sheets:
Fill in missing digraphs in words.
Match pictures to correctly spelled words.
Teacher circulates to support and assess. Provide dyslexia-friendly worksheets with clear spacing and font. | | 20-25m| Independent Application | Individuals write sentences including at least 3 words with digraphs from today’s list. Use mini dictionaries for support. Extension: Advanced learners create short rhymes or alliteration sentences using digraph words. | | 25-30m| Review & Self-Assessment | Use a traffic light card system for pupils to self-assess understanding (red=need help, amber=almost confident, green=confident). Recap key spelling strategies. Peer-share best sentences. |

Differentiation Strategies

For SEND/Dyslexia:
- Use dyslexia-friendly print handouts (e.g., OpenDyslexic font or Arial, 14pt+, coloured overlays).
- Provide step-by-step guidance with pictorial cues.
- Allow extra time and oral explanation of tasks.
- Use multi-sensory support: say, write, and visualise each digraph.
For EAL learners:
- Use visuals and real objects for context.
- Model pronunciation and spelling aloud before writing.
For Advanced learners:
- Challenge with words containing less common digraphs (e.g., "ph" in "elephant").
- Encourage writing creative sentences or short poems using digraph words.

Assessment

Formative through observation and questioning during paired work.
Review of independent writing for correct digraph spelling.
Self-assessment with traffic light cards to inform next lesson’s support needs.

Extension Ideas

Create a “Digraph Detective” game where pupils spot digraphs in classroom books or signs.
Use ICT software/apps to practise interactive spelling games focusing on digraphs.
Create mnemonic posters or comic strips to illustrate the meaning and spellings of specific digraph words.

Notes for Teachers

Encourage a growth mindset: praise attempts and improvements in spelling.
Use consistent terminology (“digraph”) so pupils internalise vocabulary.
Provide opportunities for frequent review in subsequent lessons.
Model using a dictionary and self-correction strategies regularly.

This lesson plan blends phonics, spelling, and engaging multisensory strategies in line with the statutory requirements of the National Curriculum for England. It ensures all learners are supported while providing stretch opportunities for confident spellers.