Free primary teacher resource
Weekly spelling homework template and activity grid
In short: Print a clear ten-word sheet and a three-part activity grid for UK primary spelling homework. Pupils choose one way to learn, one way to apply and one way to check the taught spelling, rather than completing a pile of disconnected activities.
Copy-ready layout
The blank weekly sheet
Weekly spelling homework
- Week beginning
- Year group / class
- Spelling focus
- Test or review date
This week’s words
Use three words in meaningful sentences
Short practice routine
- Say each word and notice the spelling focus.
- Look, cover, write and check each word once.
- Group words that share a useful pattern or word part.
- Use three words in meaningful sentences.
- Ask a grown-up to read the words in a different order.
Words to revisit next week
Printable spelling homework activities
Learn, apply and check
- Week beginning
- Pupil / class
- Spelling focus
This is a choice grid, not nine pieces of busywork. Choose one Learn activity, one Apply activity and one Check activity across the week. The teacher can circle different choices when a pupil needs a more precise task.
- Learn
Map the sounds
Say each word slowly. Mark the letter or letters that represent each sound, following the school's phonics approach.
- Learn
Spot the important part
Underline the part that could be easy to miss or confuse, then explain what makes it useful to notice.
- Learn
Build a word family
Choose a root, prefix or suffix from the list and add related words that keep the same meaningful part.
- Apply
Sort and explain
Group the words by a useful spelling connection. Name the connection instead of sorting by appearance alone.
- Apply
Use the meaning
Write three short sentences that show what the chosen words mean. Check that each word fits the sentence.
- Apply
Handwrite clearly
Write five words once with clear, consistent letter formation. Accuracy matters more than writing quickly.
- Check
Look, cover, write, check
Study five words, cover the list, write them from memory and compare each attempt with the original.
- Check
Try a short dictation
Ask a grown-up to read five words in a different order. Write each one without seeing the list, then check.
- Check
Return tomorrow
After a gap, write five words from memory. Circle only the words or parts that still need another look.
The word or part I still need to practise
Adult or teacher initials (optional)
Five decisions before you send it
Make the sheet useful, not just tidy
- 01
Name the teaching focus
Tell families which sound-spelling choice, written pattern, root, prefix or suffix the list is revisiting. A random list is harder to teach and harder to practise well.
- 02
Keep the list manageable
This template has ten spaces. Use fewer when the teaching need is narrow; add more only when every word earns its place and the workload stays proportionate.
- 03
Mix recall with application
Short independent recall matters, but also ask pupils to sort related words, explain the useful part and use selected words in meaningful sentences.
- 04
Change the order
Read the words in a different order before the final check. This reduces reliance on remembering the sequence rather than the spelling itself.
- 05
Record the next teaching move
Keep only the words or spelling knowledge that still need attention. A total score without an instructional response creates marking, not progress.
When the paper becomes the job
Send one checked list instead
The free template is here whenever paper is the right answer. If you are retyping, printing, cutting and handing out the same class list every week, Spellito can remove that repeated admin: add the words once, check the sentences, send the set and see who needs another go.
- Whole-class or individual sets
- Up to 30 confirmed pupils
- Private pupil progress
- Class rankings without public real names
- 12 months from one payment
- No automatic renewal
Class Licence
£59/ class / year
Pay only when the class tools save you real work. Basic ten-word child practice stays free, with no child name or account required.
Get Class Licence, £59/yearWeekly spelling homework FAQs
How many words should be on a weekly primary spelling list?
There is no single statutory weekly number for every primary class. Ten is a practical template size, not a national rule. Choose a manageable set that represents the spelling knowledge pupils are learning and follows the school's curriculum and phonics approach.
Can I edit this weekly spelling homework template?
Yes. Use the copy button, then paste the plain-text template and activity choices into Word, Google Docs, email or the school's learning platform. Add the class, focus, date and exact words before sharing it.
Which spelling activities should pupils do for homework?
Choose a small combination that revisits knowledge already taught: one activity to notice the spelling, one to apply it and one delayed recall check. The free grid offers three choices in each category; pupils do not need to complete all nine.
Should every pupil receive the same spelling list?
Not automatically. A shared focus can be useful, but some pupils may need fewer examples, earlier prerequisite knowledge, a different access arrangement or a carefully matched individual set.
Are weekly spelling tests required by the National Curriculum?
The English programmes of study set statutory spelling knowledge, but they do not prescribe one weekly homework sheet or one fixed Friday-test routine for every school. Follow the school's agreed curriculum and assessment policy.
Can teachers send weekly spellings through Spellito?
Yes. A Class Licence costs £59 per class for 12 months and covers up to 30 confirmed pupils. The teacher adds and checks one set, sends it to the class or an individual pupil and sees private progress. It does not renew automatically.
Do children have to pay to practise ten Spellito words?
No. Basic ten-word practice remains free and does not require a child account or even a child's name. Paid family, class and school tools are optional additions for saved lists, private progress and easier management.
Sources and next reading
- Department for Education: National curriculum in England, English programmes of study sets out the statutory programmes and separate spelling appendix.
- Department for Education: The writing framework gives current non-statutory guidance for writing teaching and school review.
- Ofsted: English curriculum research review explains explicit spelling teaching, word structure, dictation, application and low-stakes recall practice.
- NFER: how spelling-error analysis can inform teaching.
- Read Spellito’s practical 20-minute spelling lesson guide.
Clear annual pricing
Keep basic practice free. Pay only for the teaching tools you need.
Children can keep using basic ten-word practice without a payment. A teacher can create the free class identity first, then add a class or whole-school licence when the time-saving tools are useful.
Basic practice
FREE
No child name or account needed
- Ten-word curriculum practice
- Hear each word in a sentence
- Clear correction and another try
One class
£59
per class per year
- Send one checked list instead of printing individual copies
- Weekly sets and individual assignments
- Private pupil progress and class rankings
12 months. No automatic renewal.
Whole school
£1
per pupil per year · £99 minimum
- One annual school payment or invoice
- Every verified class and teacher included
- A simple head-teacher decision at a school-affordable price
12 months. No automatic renewal.