Playful Spelling Games

Turn Spelling Corrections into Learning Through Play!

What if correcting spellings in children’s writing actually helped them remember how to spell those words correctly next time?

We all know how frustrating it can be to correct the same spelling mistakes in children’s books, only to find those exact words spelt incorrectly again in their next piece of writing!

Playful Spelling Games has been designed to change that by turning spelling corrections into fun, purposeful and personalised spelling practice.

Instead of simply copying out corrected words, children take part in quick, playful spelling games at the start of their English lessons, using words they’ve previously spelt incorrectly in their own writing.

With 6 different spelling games – one for each week of a term – children get regular opportunities to practise, revisit and remember their target words, helping them build confidence and improve their spelling accuracy over time.

The aim isn’t just to correct a spelling mistake. It’s to help children learn the correct spelling, remember it and use it accurately in their future writing!

Ready-to-use instructions for each game that can be displayed on your interactive whiteboard at the start of an English lesson.
Personal Spelling List Printable – a simple recording sheet that can be stuck into children’s books, allowing them to keep track of the words they need to learn.
Spelling Progress Tracker – children can colour or tick off words once they’ve mastered them, before moving on to their next spelling challenge.
Easy-to-Follow Instructions – making it simple to introduce the games and establish a regular spelling routine.

How It Works

The idea is simple: turn spelling corrections into personalised learning opportunities.

Identify spelling mistakes. As you mark children’s written work, identify words they need to practise spelling correctly.
Record their target words. Children add these words to their personal spelling list, which can be kept in their English books.
Play a spelling game. At the start of each English lesson, display the week’s Playful Spelling Game on your IWB. Children use their own target words to complete the activity.
Practise throughout the week. Revisit the same words through playful repetition, helping children become more familiar with their correct spellings.
Master it and move on! Once children can confidently spell a word correctly, they colour or tick it off their list and move on to another word.

With a new game each week, children enjoy variety while developing a consistent spelling practice routine.

Why Teachers Love It

Makes spelling corrections meaningful – children actively learn from mistakes rather than simply copying corrected words.
Provides personalised spelling practice – every child works on the words they actually need to learn, based on their own writing.
Encourages long-term retention – regular, playful repetition helps children remember spellings and use them more accurately.
Creates a simple daily routine – ideal for the first few minutes of every English lesson.
Reduces preparation time – display the instructions on your IWB and children can get started using their own spelling lists.
Supports differentiation naturally – children can work on different spelling words while completing the same activity.
Promotes independence and ownership – children track their own progress and see which words they’ve mastered.
Makes spelling practice enjoyable – six different games keep learning varied, purposeful and engaging.