Exception words
Words that don't follow the usual phonics rules and simply have to be learned (mischievous, yacht, queue, colonel, rhythm).
Example words
- the
- said
- was
- one
- friend
- because
- people
- could
- laugh
- busy
- eye
- February
When it's taught
From the National Curriculum for England (English Appendix 1):
Y1Year 1 common exception words
Examples: the, said, one, once
Y2Year 2 common exception words
Examples: because, beautiful, people
Y3 / 4Year 3 and 4 statutory word list
Examples: believe, different, separate
Y5 / 6Year 5 and 6 statutory word list
Examples: accommodate, necessary, rhythm
Practise this pattern
Dictation sentences
Read each one aloud and ask your child to write it down.
- My friend said the people could come.
- The busy bees were in the garden.
- One girl laughed until her eyes watered.
Quick check
Can they spell these without help?
- once
- laugh
- eye
- whole
Keep going
- Year 1 spelling words - the statutory list with a free worksheet
- Year 2 spelling words - the statutory list with a free worksheet
- Year 3 and 4 spelling words - the statutory list with a free worksheet
- Year 5 and 6 spelling words - the statutory list with a free worksheet
- Printable spelling test sheet - for writing the words on paper
- Practise in Spelling.Live - add these words as a list, take a Skills Check, or play games built from them
Teaching this pattern
A short lesson idea with a starter, an activity, dictation sentences and words to check.DRAFT
Teaching guide