International Schools in Japan: Spelling Help
In short: Families at international schools in Japan can support spelling by following their child's actual English programme. Start with familiar meanings and school-taught spelling patterns when maintaining English alongside Japanese schooling.
Practise Year 2 exception words freeTen words, read aloud. No name, sign-up or payment needed.
By Szabolcs Deák ·
Choose the support that fits
| Situation | Useful starting point |
|---|---|
| British curriculum at school | Ask for the current pattern and follow the school's sequence. |
| Maintaining comfortable English | Read together, collect useful words and write short messages. |
| Developing English | Check meaning and spoken vocabulary before written recall. |
An international-school label does not establish the curriculum. Ask which year or grade your child will join, which English or phonics programme is used, and whether spelling follows England's curriculum, another national curriculum or a school-designed sequence. Request a recent example of classroom work rather than selecting a list from the school's name.
Use England's ages as a reference
England's usual ages are Reception 4–5, Year 1 5–6, Year 2 6–7, Year 3 7–8, Year 4 8–9, Year 5 9–10 and Year 6 10–11. Other curricula and admission cut-offs differ. These labels describe school years; they do not measure English proficiency or automatically translate into Japanese grades.
The DfE English programmes of study and spelling appendix set out England's spelling content, including shared Years 3–4 and Years 5–6 statutory lists. Schools decide their teaching sequence. See the government year-group reference when discussing ages with your school.
If your child understands the words and has met the relevant patterns, try the Year 2 common exception word guide or the Year 3 starter guide. An older child learning English may benefit from earlier material without changing their school placement.
A ten-minute English maintenance routine
- Read a short passage together. Let your child explain the idea in whichever home language helps, then discuss the English wording.
- Choose three useful words from the passage or current school work. Check that your child can explain each meaning before practising its spelling.
- Say one word, identify a taught sound-letter link or spelling feature, then cover it and write it from memory. Compare gently and explain the correction.
- Write a real sentence: a note about tomorrow's lunch, a book recommendation or a message to family. Revisit one word on another day.
A family in Fukuoka, Itoshima or Saga can attach this routine to a quiet point in the week, just as a family elsewhere in Japan can. During a move, agree a small manageable set with the teacher; continuity is easier when the home routine fits travel, homework and rest.
The Bell Foundation's parent guidance supports home-language use and communication with school. Our routine is a practical suggestion; adjust it when your child needs more oral language, reading support or a shorter session.
Keep the next step specific
The free button uses built-in Year 2 exception words, not a personalised school list. Family Pass adds parent-entered home lists and private progress for up to five children: £9 for 12 months, with no automatic renewal.
For more help, read our expat family guide, English-learning guide and international-school guide. Teachers can use the Japan teaching routine; families working towards a Cambridge qualification can use the Young Learners word-practice guide.
Questions from families
Do international schools in Japan follow the same spelling curriculum?
Schools use different curricula and sequences. Ask for the actual year or grade, English programme and current spelling focus before choosing a practice list.
Does age alone tell me which spelling level to choose?
England's year groups are an age reference, not an English-proficiency scale. Use the school's advice, your child's understanding and the sounds and spelling patterns already taught.
What can my child practise free?
Basic ten-word built-in curriculum practice is free, with no name, account or payment. This page starts a Year 2 common exception word round; it is not a Japanese school or Cambridge word list.
Clear annual pricing
Start free. Pay only when the family extras help.
A child can practise ten built-in words without entering their name, making an account or paying. Family Pass is the optional complete home product.
Basic practice
FREE
No child name or account needed
- Ten-word curriculum practice
- Hear each word in a sentence
- Clear correction and another try
Complete home tools
£9
per family per year
- Up to five child profiles
- Buddies, hints and private progress
- Parent-entered home lists, SATs papers and cross-device sync
- Paper spelling tests and family duels
12 months. No automatic renewal.
