Spelling practice is more useful to a young person when it focuses on words they need in current subjects and is spread across several short sessions.

Choose a connected set

Select three to five words from homework, teacher feedback or important subject vocabulary. Look for a useful connection rather than choosing unrelated words.

For example:

• react, reaction, reactive, reactivity

• parliament, parliamentary, parliamentarian

Mark the root and notice what each prefix or suffix adds to the meaning and spelling.

Practise from memory

Across the week:

1. Look closely at the word and mark the tricky part.

2. Cover it and write it from memory.

3. Check immediately and correct it.

4. Use it in a subject sentence.

5. Return to it after a gap.

6. Notice whether it is used accurately in later homework.

Repeated copying while the word is visible does not show that they can remember it.

Parents can help select the first set and discuss the word parts. Gradually let the young person manage the list, choose a useful cue and decide when they know a word well.

Avoid correcting every error during drafting. If the spelling is needed to express an important idea, provide it and return to the learning later.