Spelling Tricky Words

Tricky words are common words with complicated spellings.

They are sometimes known as irregular words or common exception words. They are harder for children to read and spell, as they often do not follow the phonics rules that children have learned e.g. was  the  you  my

Tricky words are taught as part of our phonics programme. They are split into phases according to the stage of the Phonics Programme. In EYFS, we concentrate on spelling Phase 2 and Phase 3 Tricky words. We begin to look at reading Phase 4 Tricky words in the summer term. 

Intially, children will read these tricky words but eventually they will be expected to use them in their writing and spell them correctly.

A list of Tricky words linked to Phonics Phases can be found below; along with practical ideas for how to support your child spell these words at home.