We learn to spell by looking at words

For example there is nothing in the sound of the following words which tells us which way they are to be spelt.

(Remember it is the look of some words not the sound which is important for spelling).

‘ache’ or ‘ake’
‘rain’ or ‘rane’
‘boat’ or ‘bote’

REMEMBER

DO - talk to children about how words are made up and the exceptions to the rules.

DO - encourage children to look carefully at different words and to find small words in the large words.

DO - praise all attempts.

DO - encourage children to be careful, which in turn encourages good habits.