How to use Spellzone - a typical spelling lesson plan

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Some learners will need to work through the complete course while others will use it as a 'dip-in' resource to fill gaps in their knowledge. It will be particularly useful to check that all students are familiar with the terms in Unit 3: 'The Basic Building Bricks'.

We suggest that students have a quick look at each page of the course, to see if there are any words they need to study. Pages that are too easy can be skipped (just use the link at the foot of each page) but there may be something, even in the early units, that will be useful. For example, Unit 5 'Spelling the Consonant Digraphs' contains some quite advanced work such as: ph words, and ch saying /k/ as in stomach.

To find a particular spelling rule, look on the Contents list and click + to expand each section. You can also type a word into the dictionary box on the side bar; the resulting page will tell you where in the course you will find that word and others with the same spelling pattern.

When working through a typical unit we suggest your students follow this progression:

  • If there is a sound example, click on it and read the teaching text.
  • Read the word lists for all the different ways of spelling that sound; use the dictionary box on the sidebar to check meanings and hear words read aloud.
  • Click on the word list (on the sidebar) to access games and tests for this page. These can be repeated as often as required:
    • Look, Cover, Write Check practice - help in learning words
    • Listen and Spell - testing knowledge
    • Games:
      1. Word Search (different levels of difficulty)
      2. Bouncing Balls Anagram - click the balls in the correct order
      3. Which Witch - beat the witch by guessing the correct letters
      4. Listen and Spell 'Against the Clock'
  • Return to the course unit (via a link on the sidebar) and click the link at the bottom of the page to go to the course test. This takes various forms, for example: Enter the correct letters to complete a word in a sentence context.
  • Complete the course test and check the score. Tests and games can be repeated as often as required. When students have their own logins, all their scores will be recorded so progress can be monitored.

Please note:
Your students will see a simplified version of this guide. Quick guide to Spellzone. (link to 'Quick guide' for all users)

Enjoy using Spellzone!

For more details please see:

Information for teachers and tutors

Spelling and Dyslexia

Spelling as part of an English language course

Adult training



"I love your course..... you explain so much that I didn't know, forgot, or wasn't taught."

Adult student, USA