Cambridge Starters, Movers and Flyers spelling

Choose the official resource first

These Cambridge English preparation pages provide free official wordlists and sample papers. Open the page for the qualification your teacher recommends and check the format being taught; the links above are for paper-based preparation. Use the official instructions and answer materials when exploring a sample task.

Pre A1, A1 and A2 describe English-language levels. They do not map directly to Reception or Years 1–6 in England, Japanese grades or another school curriculum. A child's age alone cannot select the qualification. Ask the teacher about vocabulary understanding, listening, speaking, reading and writing together.

Turn a small selection into useful practice

Choose three to five words from the relevant official resource with the teacher's guidance. Keep the full licensed wordlists on Cambridge's site; this guide offers original activities rather than reproducing them. Start with words your child recognises in speech and understands in context.

1. Make a meaning check. Draw, point to an object or act out an idea, then ask your child to say the English word.
2. Say the word in an original sentence. Discuss a taught sound-letter link, letter group or ending. Give a clear written model.
3. Cover the word, write it from memory and compare. Ask which part needs another look, then try again after a short pause.
4. Use it in a new sentence or a labelled drawing. Revisit one word at the next session, alongside a newly introduced word.

For an original activity, draw an imaginary picnic and write two sentences about what you would take. Let your child choose familiar vocabulary, check the spelling together, and read the sentences aloud. This is everyday language practice; it is not a copied Cambridge task.

A calm review checklist

• Can my child explain or demonstrate the meaning without looking at the written word?
• Can they recognise the word in a spoken sentence and use it in their own sentence?
• Can they recall the spelling after covering it, and explain a useful spelling feature?
• Have we used an official sample paper to understand instructions and task types separately?

If meaning is uncertain, return to pictures, conversation and reading before adding more spellings. If the word is understood but recall is difficult, practise the troublesome letter group and revisit it later. A correct spelling in isolation gives only one piece of evidence about broader English readiness.

Where Spellito fits

Spellito is an independent spelling tool, with English read-aloud words and sentences. Its built-in free lists follow England curriculum content. The free button here is a Year 2 common exception word round, so check that those words suit your child; it does not promise the exact Cambridge selection.

Family Pass provides parent-entered home lists and private progress for up to five children at £9 for 12 months, with no automatic renewal. Spellito is not Cambridge certified or a Cambridge partner, does not replicate the Cambridge exam and offers no pass guarantee.

Families can also use our English-learning guide, expat guide and Japan family guide. Teachers can read the small-group Japan routine and international-school guide.

Questions about Young Learners word practice