Spelling at Weston

At Weston, spelling is taught explicitly and systematically.

We want children to understand how words work, remember spelling patterns over time and, most importantly, apply accurate spelling in their writing.

Spelling is not simply about memorising a list of words for a test. Children learn about sounds and letter patterns, spelling rules, word structure, vocabulary and meaning, and they regularly revisit previous learning.

The Weston Spelling Pathway

From Year 2 onwards, spelling follows a consistent weekly routine.

Monday – Revise and Introduce

Children revisit previous learning and are introduced to the new spelling pattern, rule or word feature.

They explore what the words have in common, discuss meanings and begin to notice useful patterns.

Tuesday – Retrieval

Children complete a short retrieval activity to strengthen memory.

This may include recalling words, spotting errors, completing a cloze sentence, revisiting a rule or using cover-write-check.

Wednesday – Practise and Dictate

Children practise the spelling pattern in context and apply it through teacher-led dictation.

This helps move spelling from simply recognising a word towards being able to write it accurately within phrases and sentences.

Thursday – Retrieval

A further short activity revisits the week's learning and prepares children for independent application.

Friday – Apply and Consolidate

Children apply the week's spelling independently in writing.

They write their own sentences using focus words and complete a short cumulative recap including current and previously learned words.

What Children Learn About Spelling

Our approach develops children's understanding of several aspects of spelling.

Children learn about:

• phonology and orthography – how sounds are represented by letters and common spelling patterns

• morphology – how words are built from roots, prefixes and suffixes

• word meaning – understanding vocabulary helps spelling make sense

• word origins – sometimes the history of a word helps explain an unusual spelling

• error analysis – mistakes help teachers identify what a child needs to learn next.

The principle is that spelling should be taught, practised, retrieved and applied, rather than left to chance.

Spelling Shed

We use Spelling Shed to support practice in school and at home.

The weekly assignment matches the spelling learning taking place in class. The online games give children repeated opportunities to retrieve and practise the same words and patterns.

Spelling Shed is a practice tool; new learning is taught in school.

Home Practice

From Year 2 onwards, children are set one Spelling Shed assignment each week.

Homework:

• goes live on Monday morning

• should be completed by Sunday evening

• requires three games

• is most effective when the games are spread across the week rather than completed all at once.

Children are welcome to complete additional games if they wish, but three games is the weekly expectation.

Choosing a Challenge Level

Spelling Shed offers different levels of difficulty.

Children can begin at a level that allows them to practise successfully and should move to a more demanding level as their confidence grows.

Higher levels require children to recall more of the spelling independently rather than selecting from a limited number of letters.

If Online Access Is Difficult

We do not want access to technology to become a barrier to completing spelling practice.

Paper alternatives or opportunities to complete practice in school are available where needed.

Please contact your child’s class teacher if you need support.

Supporting Your Child at Home

Short, regular practice is more effective than completing everything in one long session.

You can help by:

• encouraging your child to complete the three weekly games

• spreading practice across several days

• asking them to explain the pattern or rule they are learning

• noticing the same pattern in books and everyday writing

• encouraging them to use new words in sentences

• praising effort and improvement rather than simply getting every word correct.

Parent Guide

Please download Using Spelling Shed at Home – A Guide for Weston Parents below.

This guide gives step-by-step instructions for logging in, finding assignments, choosing games, selecting a challenge level and checking completion.