Fifty word pairs (and threes) that sound the same or similar but are spelt differently, e.g. bear / bare, here / hear and wait / weight, divided into ‘Easy’, ‘Intermediate’ and ‘Hard’ categories. Useful teaching resource for selected spelling focus and testing. NB: word definitions are not given. This is a straightforward bank of same-sounding words for flexible use. Older children will be able to check the word meanings themselves. See also my ‘Which is Witch?’ spelling games: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/spelling-grammar-games-yrs-4-6-11913259 and other word banks and assorted writing resources.

This attractive ocean picture and simple phrase-starter will inspire young children to get writing and colouring. The Ideas Sheet offers suggestions for warm-up, word-prompting, similes and further development from this simple resource. See also my Phonics in the Sea - 10 big, bright words to read on a seaside photo: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/phonics-in-the-sea-10-words-to-read-12112315

Literacy and castle studies are brought alive by these attractive sheets and their fascinating writing opportunities. There are two versions of this illustrated “CASTLE” acrostic frame, one with short lines for single words (describing words recommended), and one with longer lines for phrases, sentences or extended descriptions and similes. The Examples sheet provides suggestions to prompt for, for each version. Perhaps read some out to fire other ideas. The sheets allow room for a castle sketch below. Suitable for all juniors, with support as needed.

Space studies and writing practice are both brought to life with these fun acrostic poem frames. Give the easier, shorter-line version to younger/less able writers, and the long-line version for confident writers. With the first, ask for a single describing word to tie in with each letter down the page; for the second, ask for a phrase or sentence on each line, again tying in with the letters down the page. See Examples sheet for ideas to prompt for - supplied for each version. There’s space for an extra letter below each. Perhaps suggest making PLANET into PLANETS, for a line starting with S, or suggest they give their planet a letter name, e.g. Planet G or Planet H. Then they can think of a word/phrase starting with that letter too. Space is provided on each version for student’s own illustration. Supports Literacy (vocabulary, phonics, creative writing, poetry, hand-writing and presentation), and Space studies.

This fun reading card supports teaching of the “oo” phonic and spelling. Newly independent readers will enjoy sounding out the 3 animal-themed sentences and making the creature noises - The dove says coo. The cow says moo. The owl says twit-twoo. An adult can point out the “oo” sounds and prompt a discussion about the sounds and picture, developing phonics, reading, speaking and listening skills simultaneously. See the others in this series.