Pedagogy

What's in Little Wandle Spelling?

Little Wandle Spelling is a new spelling programme designed to provide a seamless link from the main Little Wandle Letters and Sounds programme to learning spelling in Year 2.

  1. Little Wandle Spelling aims to build on children’s knowledge of the alphabetic code and teaches them to spell with confidence.
  2. There are three parts to the programme at Year 2:
    • Phase 5 review
    • Bridge to spelling
    • Spelling. After a five-week review of Phase 5 in Autumn 1, children move on to the Bridge to spelling which teaches them how to ‘think about spelling’. Over five weeks in Autumn 2, the children complete the alphabetic code and learn the underpinning concepts of spelling. Once this learning is secure, children are ready to move on to the Year 2 Spelling units in Spring 1.
  3. The Phase 5 review (Autumn 1) and Bridge to spelling (Autumn 2) lessons are taught daily in 25- to 30-minute sessions, five days a week.
  4. The 20 Spelling units (Spring and Summer) are designed to be taught in 15-minute lessons, four times a week. They provide full coverage of National Curriculum spelling requirements at Year 2.
  5. All lessons follow the familiar structure of Little Wandle phonics lessons, supporting children to make links to their phonics learning. Lessons build on prior knowledge to ensure children always start from a point of secure understanding.
  6. Children continue to use their phonics knowledge as the primary approach to spelling but they are also taught to consider etymology, morphology and grammar when spelling new words.
  7. All materials, including comprehensive teaching notes, handouts and screens for display, are downloadable, making sure you have everything you need to teach spelling with minimal preparation.
  8. Regular assessments help you to track children’s progress and identify concepts to revisit.
  9. Everything is included in your Little Wandle subscription: there is no need to buy any additional resources.
  10. The first Year 2 materials can be downloaded now including a video of important information to help you get started.