English spelling for children learning English

Use the languages that help your child understand

Keep using your home languages for conversation, stories and explanations. Discuss an idea in the language that lets your child explain it comfortably, then connect that meaning with the English word.

The Bell Foundation’s parent guidance includes translated guides. Its homework guidance supports using home languages to discuss books and tasks, alongside clear communication with school.

Try this with one or two school words

1. Establish the meaning. Show an object or picture, act something out, or discuss a familiar situation. Your child can point, demonstrate or explain.
2. Say the English word. Let your child hear and try a clear model. Ask school for an audio example if you are unsure of its pronunciation.
3. Connect taught sounds and letters. Follow the school’s phonics sequence. Help your child hear the sounds and choose the letters or letter groups they know.
4. Recall and check. Cover the word, pause briefly and try one spelling without copying. Reveal it, check together and revisit the part that needs another try.
5. Use the word. Say a short sentence about the picture or situation. Writing can follow when its other words are manageable too.

For example, if school has taught the sound-to-letter links in map, look at a map and discuss what it shows. Say the word together, hear its three sounds and build it with m, a and p. Cover it before rebuilding or writing it, then check. Finish with a spoken sentence such as This is a map. Ask school for a different word if those links have not been taught.

Ask school which small step comes next

• Which words does my child already understand and use?
• Which sounds and spelling patterns have been taught?
• Could you demonstrate the pronunciation and practice method?
• Which smaller task should we choose if this homework feels overwhelming?

Spellito’s Reception-to-Year-6 labels refer to England’s curriculum groups, not English-proficiency levels. Use the school’s guidance when choosing practice. The DfE English programmes of study and spelling appendix describe curriculum expectations.

How Spellito can support the routine

Basic ten-word practice uses built-in curriculum words and is free, with no child name, account or payment needed. Children hear a word in a sentence, attempt its spelling and receive correction with another try. Check that the chosen practice level suits what your child has been taught.

For parent-entered home lists and private progress, Family Pass is a separate optional product for up to five children. Its standard UK price is £9 per family for 12 months, with no automatic renewal; check the price offered where you buy. Spellito supports spelling practice alongside teaching, rather than providing a complete English-language course.

Parents can skip school selection and practise. If a school is missing, choose Enter school details manually during school selection: school name, town or city and country, with its public website optional. This requests review; it does not automatically add a school or create a class link.

Choose the next useful resource

Try our home spelling routine, early phonics guide or getting-started guide. If your child already speaks English comfortably and you are maintaining British spelling abroad, see our expat family guide.