Learning to spell is an important part of reading and writing for first graders.
At this age, children start to notice patterns in words and learn how letters sound when they are put together.
First-grade spelling words help kids read better, write sentences more clearly, and build confidence.
Parents, teachers, and homeschoolers all look for word lists that match the level and needs of first-grade students.
These spelling words often include simple sound patterns, common sight words, and words from everyday life.
Having a clear and complete list can make planning lessons much easier and more fun.
In this blog, you will find helpful spelling lists, teaching tips, and ideas to make spelling a fun part of learning.
What Makes a Good 1st Grade Spelling List?
A good 1st grade spelling list should include words that are easy to sound out and understand.
The words should match the reading and writing level of most first-grade students.
Many lists start with consonant-vowel-consonant words, which are simple three-letter words like “cat” or “dog.”
These lists should also have sight words that children need to memorize, like “the” or “said.”
It is helpful to group words by patterns, such as words that rhyme or have the same endings.
Adding blends and digraphs like “sh” and “ch” helps children learn more complex sounds.
A good list also uses words from everyday life, so kids can use them in real sentences.
Most importantly, the words should help build reading skills and make children feel proud of their progress.
Spelling Curriculum for 1st Grade
This 10-week spelling curriculum is made to help first-grade students learn words step by step.
Each week focuses on a different word pattern so children can build strong spelling and reading skills.
The lists begin with simple CVC words and slowly introduce blends, digraphs, and sight words.
As the weeks go by, the words become a little more challenging to match the child’s growing ability.
Week 1: Short “A” CVC Words
This week, we begin with simple short “A” words that follow the consonant-vowel-consonant (CVC) pattern.
These words help students learn to sound out and blend letters easily.
| cat | bat | hat | mat |
|---|---|---|---|
| ran | can | man | pan |
| map | nap | tap | cap |
| bag | tag | wag | rag |
| fan | tan | van | jam |
Week 2: Short “E” & “I” CVC Words
Now we move to short “E” and “I” sounds, using simple three-letter CVC words.
These will help your child improve their vowel recognition and spelling fluency.
| net | pet | wet | get |
|---|---|---|---|
| ten | men | pen | hen |
| red | bed | fed | led |
| pig | big | dig | wig |
| win | bin | pin | fin |
Week 3: Short “O” & “U” CVC Words
This week’s focus is on short “O” and “U” vowel sounds with easy-to-read CVC words.
These words are fun to say and great for beginning readers.
| hop | top | mop | pop |
|---|---|---|---|
| dot | hot | pot | lot |
| dog | fog | log | jog |
| sun | fun | run | bun |
| cut | nut | hut | but |
Week 4: Mixed CVC Words (Review)
Now it’s time to mix all of the CVC words you’ve learned so far.
This will help you remember sounds and patterns in any order.
| bed | map | win | rug |
|---|---|---|---|
| pan | wet | dog | fig |
| cap | ten | cup | hot |
| nap | lip | jet | run |
| log | cat | dig | jam |
Week 5: Consonant Blends
This week introduces beginning blends like “st,” “sl,” and “bl.”
Blends are two consonants that work together to start a word.
| stop | slip | sled | slug |
|---|---|---|---|
| blot | blur | blow | blue |
| clap | clip | clam | club |
| trip | trap | trim | tree |
| flat | flag | flip | floss |
Week 6: Digraphs
Let’s learn digraphs, two letters that make one new sound, like “sh” or “ch.”
These special sounds are important for reading and spelling bigger words.
| ship | shop | shed | shut |
|---|---|---|---|
| chin | chop | chip | chat |
| this | that | thin | path |
| what | when | whip | whiz |
| mash | rich | bath | math |
Week 7: Sight Words
Sight words are special words you see often but can’t always sound out.
Learning these will help you read sentences more easily and smoothly.
| the | and | said | you |
|---|---|---|---|
| come | here | where | was |
| look | like | make | play |
| jump | help | find | away |
| they | with | good | over |
Week 8: Long Vowels (CVCe Words)
This week we’ll learn the magic “e” at the end of words that makes vowels say their name.
CVCe words like “cake” and “bike” are a fun way to stretch your reading skills.
| cake | make | bake | gate |
|---|---|---|---|
| like | bike | time | line |
| home | rope | nose | cone |
| cute | cube | mule | tube |
| dive | five | vote | hope |
Week 9: Word Families & Rhyming Review
It’s time to go back and review some of your favorite word families.
Rhyming helps your brain remember words that look and sound alike.
| cat | hat | mat | sat |
|---|---|---|---|
| red | bed | fed | led |
| pig | dig | fig | wig |
| hop | top | pop | mop |
| sun | bun | run | fun |
Week 10: Mixed Challenge & Review
This final week combines all the skills you’ve learned in one fun challenge.
You’ll use CVC, blends, digraphs, and sight words all together.
| ship | bike | gate | nose |
|---|---|---|---|
| that | play | slug | trim |
| cap | run | vote | math |
| cone | chat | clip | cake |
| whip | jet | mug | pan |
Fun & Effective Ways to Practice Spelling
Spelling doesn’t have to be boring when there are so many exciting ways to make learning feel like play.
Children remember words better when they’re engaged in creative, hands-on activities that stimulate their senses.
Mixing movement, colors, sounds, and games into spelling time helps kids of all learning styles.
These fun methods don’t just improve spelling, they also build confidence, imagination, and a love for language.
- Try letting your child use colorful markers or crayons to write each spelling word in rainbow colors.
- You can fill a tray with salt or sand and have your child write the words using their finger for a sensory boost.
- Use letter tiles or magnetic letters on the fridge to build spelling words during snack time or after school.
- Play a game of Spelling Jump by placing word cards on the floor and letting kids jump to the correct.
- Create a set of flashcards and play matching games where they pair the word with its picture or a sentence.
Assessment Tips for Parents & Homeschoolers
Checking your child’s spelling progress is important to know what they’ve learned and what still needs practice.
Spelling assessments don’t have to be stressful; they can be simple, fun, and even part of your regular routine.
Below are easy and effective ways to assess spelling that work well for both teachers and homeschool parents.
- Give a short weekly spelling test where your child writes the words you say out loud, one by one.
- Let your child write a short story or journal entry using as many spelling words as they can remember.
- Watch how your child spells during everyday writing, like labeling drawings or writing cards and notes.
- Use spelling games and apps that track their progress to see which words are tricky and which are mastered.
- Have spelling talks where you casually quiz your child during car rides, meals, or walks without any pressure.
- Mix review words from past weeks into new tests so your child doesn’t forget what they already learned.
Spelling assessments are not just about scores; they’re about helping your child grow.
When you use simple and kind ways to check progress, spelling becomes less scary and more enjoyable.
With these tips, you’ll have a clear idea of how your child is doing and how to keep supporting them in the best way.
In Summary
Learning to spell is an important part of reading and writing in 1st grade.
With the right word lists and fun practice ideas, spelling can be easy and exciting for young learners.
Fun activities like games, stories, and songs make spelling time more joyful and less stressful.
Regular assessments show what your child is learning and where they may need a little more help.
If you are a teacher or a homeschool parent, having a plan makes a big difference.
Remember to be patient, kind, and encouraging during the process.
When children feel supported and happy with their progress, they enjoy learning even more.
