Year 1 spelling scheme – Spring term – overview and rationale
Explore the full teaching sequence for the Year 1 spelling scheme Spring term overview and rationale with this clear, structured document designed to complement our Mrs Mactivity SPaG scheme. Based on the DfE spelling appendix for Year 1 and informed by the 2025 DfE Writing Framework, this overview explains the rationale, weekly structure and progression behind the Spring term spelling approach.
Inside, you’ll find a week-by-week breakdown of spelling focuses and example words for each half term. Each half term includes five weeks of spellings, followed by a sixth week for consolidation and review. This built-in review week supports assessment, helps pupils secure key spelling patterns, and allows teachers to revisit tricky words and common errors before moving on.
The Spring term spelling scheme includes simple, effective routines to support pupils in learning and applying spellings, including:
- Introducing weekly spellings and discussing word meanings
- Using Look, Say, Cover, Write, Check sheets for regular practice
- Applying spellings through writing, tracing and dictation tasks
- Using weekly dictation PowerPoints and follow-up sheets to practise spellings in context
- Weekly spelling tests to track progress and identify next steps
This approach makes it easy to build spelling practice into your timetable, whether you teach spelling daily or through short, regular sessions across the week. Weekly spelling lists can also be cut out and placed into spelling books or home-school records for additional practice.
To access all accompanying teaching resources for each week – including Year 1 spelling rules PowerPoints, dictation slides and differentiated handwriting sheets – visit the Year 1 Spring spelling resources.
Written by experienced teachers, this resource provides everything you need to understand the pedagogy, sequence and assessment approach for spelling in Year 1. Combine with the wider SPaG scheme for consistent coverage of spelling, punctuation and grammar across the primary phase.
