Spelling list: Short /e/ spelled ea: set 1

The short /e/ sound is often spelled with ea, as in head or bread. Although ea includes two letters, it makes the same sound as the e in words like bed. From your list, examples like meanth, spread, and breath all follow this pattern. Keep an eye out for ea words - soon you’ll recognise them easily in both reading and spelling.

head	When it is cold I always wear a hat on my head. *
dead	The dead are buried in a cemetery.
dread	I dread my next exam.
tread	Don't tread on my clean floor.
spread	Spread the bread with peanut butter.
thread	Thread can be made of cotton or nylon.
deaf	The baby was born blind and deaf.
death	His death caused terrible grief.
breath	Take a breath of fresh air.
health	Fruit juice is good for your health.
stealth	The enemy used stealth tactics to approach their target.
meant	I meant to call you but I forgot.
sweat	Jogging fast can make you sweat.
threat	The defeated army no longer poses a threat.
wealthy	The wealthy businessman had become a tycoon.