Tricky Words                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

Tricky words are those words which cannot be sounded out correctly using the Jolly Phonics sounds. The only way these words can be read and spelt correctly is by learning them and having plenty of practise.

By introducing the tricky words slowly, possible one or two a week, your child is more likely to be able to read and spell each of the words correctly.  The Tricky Word Wall Flowers (Jolly Phonics) are a lovely way to introduce a new word and make learning fun and enjoyable for your child. Once you have introduced the tricky word and practised it, reinforce this word regularly when sharing picture books and reading together.

When helping your child learn to spell the tricky words you may decide to use the 'Look, Cover, Write and Check' method. This involves first looking at the word and identifying which part is tricky, covering the word, writing it and then checking the spelling.

When practising the spelling of tricky words aim to make it a fun and enjoyable activity, perhaps by writing the tricky words in sand or shaving foam. Once your child has practised a few times in a less structured way, give them the opportunity to practise writing the tricky word on coloured paper with pencil colours or felt tips.

The tricky words identified by the Jolly Phonics* scheme are:

you        so       do      go         here         come        said           my         no         there

by        old       like       down      live     give      only      have      little       what        one

because       were        before        more        why        where      other       want      when

right      should      could      would      goes      put     made     two      saw     their     four

all        do      she       we       I       are       me       he        was        be       the        some

 also       of        right          once        love         mother         father        always       every