At New Delaval, spelling is taught explicitly through carefully sequenced lessons and regular opportunities for practice and revision.
Each half term, children receive a list of 48 spellings, organised into six spelling patterns or rules. These patterns are taught and reinforced during spelling lessons and SPaG (Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar) lessons. Wherever possible, spelling words are linked to the children's History and Geography topics to help build vocabulary across the curriculum.
What does a Spelling Lesson look like?
Step 1: Retrieval
We revisit previously taught spelling patterns and words to strengthen long-term memory.
Step 2: Identifying the New Spelling Pattern
Children explore and identify the new spelling pattern or rule, developing their orthographic awareness.
Step 3: Breaking Words into Syllables
Children learn to break words into syllables, supporting accurate spelling and long-term retention.
Step 4: Exploring Words Within Words
Attention is drawn to meaningful letter patterns and word parts to deepen understanding.
Step 5: Investigating Word Families
Children make connections between related words, developing their understanding of morphology and word structure.
Step 6: Dictation
*Have a look below at an example of our spelling lesson slides.