Tricky Words Lesson Plan KS1

There are two lesson plans below for this interactive spelling game. Use the first plan with an interactive whiteboard and the second with iPads or in a computer suite. Both are ideal for using with KS1 learners.

Interactive Whiteboard Lesson

Overview

  • Zara is dreaming of space yet again! In her dream, Zara is a wildenaut! 
  • The game presents tricky words to the player. The player reads and then spells the word. If the tricky word is spelt correctly then Zara’s jet pac will be charged.
  • When Zara’s jet pac is fully-charged then she’ll be able to explore space. This also marks the end of a round. 
  • Click the start button of the instruction screen and the first tricky word will appear.

Context of Lesson

To learn how to spell tricky words by completing each spelling challenge. Read the word and then spell it by clicking and dragging the jumbled letters.

Resources Required

Interactive whiteboard, tricky words spelling game, flash cards (the, into, was, you, they, all), alphabet flashcards (ab, ef, gh, ij, kl, mn, op, st, uv, wx, yz) of individual letters for each word, prepared worksheet 1 and prepared worksheet 2 for homework.

Learning Objectives

To recognise and spell an increasing number of tricky words.

Using the Spelling Game

  • Teacher to load the ‘Spell Tricky Word’s’ spelling game on the interactive whiteboard. Teacher to explain that Zara the wildebeest loves space, she loves space so much she even dreams about it. 
  • Explain to the class that there are some words that cannot be sounded out, these are called Tricky Words. Today, they are going to practice some tricky words. 
  • Each time they spell a word then Zara’s jet pac will get some extra charge.
  • A full jet pac means that Zara can explore space! Zara will meet some new friends and even find a golden trophy.
  • Teacher to show the flashcards of the tricky words from the game (the, into, was, you, they, all). Ask the pupils to read the words on the flashcards, saying each word several times.
  • Teacher to click start. Class to read the first word. ‘Shall we have a go at spelling it?’. Teacher to click the ‘Spell’ button.
  • Next, select a pupil to take over the game. Allow the pupil to come to the interactive whiteboard and drag and drop the jumbled letters.
  • Encourage the class to say which letter comes next. Use as many different pupils as possible.
  • Once all letters have been placed, ask the class if they think they have spelt the word right. Class to say the word. Choose a student to come to the front of the class to click the button ‘Mark’.
  • If time allows, the game could be played again to give a greater number of pupils a chance to spell the words.

PLENARY

Teacher to give out alphabet cards matching one of the tricky words, e.g. into, to four pupils. Ensure the matching alphabet cards are muddled up. Ask the selected pupils to come to the front of the class holding their letter for all the class to see. Select an extra pupil to come to the front of the class and re-arrange the letter-pupils so that they spell the tricky word. Class to agree whether it is right or wrong and then say the tricky word. Repeat for the other words.

Literacy Homework

Use the prepared worksheets, showing the tricky words from the spelling game. Ask pupils to write the tricky word three times on the given lines. Prepared worksheet 1 and prepared worksheet 2.


Individual Computer, iPad or Computer Suite Lesson

Overview

  • Zara loves space, she dreams of being a Wildenaut! Zara is asleep and having one of her favourite dreams!
  • Load the game, read the instructions and then click start
  • The game will present the following tricky words one at a time: the, into, was, you, they, all
  • Read the word and then spell it
  • If the word is spelt correctly then Zara’s jet pac will be given some extra charge. At the end of a round, Zara will have a fully-charged jet pac and will be able to explore space.
  • If all the words are spelt correctly then she might even find a golden trophy!

Context of Lesson

To practice spelling and to learn the tricky words: the, into, was, you, they, all. 

Resources Required

Interactive whiteboard, iPads or individual PCs, tricky words spelling game, flash cards (the, into, was, you, they, all), prepared worksheets for homework (worksheet 1 / worksheet 2).

Learning Objectives

To recognise and be able to spell an increasing number of tricky words. 

Using the Game

  • Teacher to use the flashcards to show the selected tricky words (e.g. the, into, was) - ask the class to say the words several times.
  • Teacher to start the tricky word’s spelling game on the interactive whiteboard. 
  • Teacher to explain that Zara the wildebeest loves space, she loves space so much she even dreams about it. Zara is dreaming today about learning tricky words. 
  • Explain to the class that they are going to help Zara explore space by spelling tricky words.
  • Each time you spell a word, Zara’s jet pac will be given some extra charge.
  • A full jet pac will mean that Zara is able to explore space, meet some new friends and find the golden trophy.
  • Teacher to model completing the first tricky word challenge.
  • Allow pupils to play the game on their iPads or computers. Less able to be supported by teacher and teaching assistant.
  • Pupils can play the tricky words game in pairs or alone  depending on the number of tablets available. Those working in pairs must share the task of reading and dragging letters. 
  • Teacher / teaching assistant to move around the class ensuring that pupils are playing the game correctly.
  • When teacher is satisfied that the game has been completed, to model moving on to a word processing programme. Teaching assistant could assist pupils to access this, ready for the plenary session.

PLENARY

Teacher to show a flashcard of a tricky word from the game, e.g. they. Ask pupils to see how many times they can type it in a minute. Teacher to say ‘ready, steady, GO!’ and use a timer. Finish lesson by showing all six tricky word flash cards again and asking pupils to say each one.

Literacy Homework

Use the prepared worksheets (worksheet 1 / worksheet 2), complete each sentence by choosing the correct tricky word.