How to Teach Tricky Words: A Complete Guide

Proven strategies to help children master sight words and non-decodable words in UK phonics

What Are Tricky Words?

Tricky words (also called sight words or high-frequency words) are words that children cannot decode using standard phonics rules. These are the words that appear most frequently in children's books and everyday reading, yet they don't follow regular phonetic patterns.

Unlike decodable words such as "cat" or "dog" which follow predictable phonics patterns, tricky words like "said" or "was" must be learned through recognition and memorization. This can be frustrating for children who have been taught to "sound out" words, but it's an essential skill for fluent reading.

Why Do Children Struggle with Tricky Words?

Children find tricky words challenging because:

• They can't be sounded out: The letters don't make their usual sounds (e.g., "was" doesn't sound like "w-a-s")
• They look similar: Words like "was/saw" or "where/were" are easily confused
• They appear everywhere: About 50% of written text consists of just 100 high-frequency words
• Memorization is harder: Visual memory takes more repetition than phonetic decoding

5 Proven Methods to Teach Tricky Words

1. Look, Say, Cover, Write, Check

This classic method builds visual memory through active repetition:

1. Look: Child looks at the word carefully, noticing every letter
2. Say: Child says the word aloud
3. Cover: Cover the word with their hand or a card
4. Write: Child writes the word from memory
5. Check: Uncover and check if they got it right

Repeat 3-5 times per word. This method works because it engages visual, auditory, and motor memory simultaneously.

2. Multi-Sensory Learning

The more senses involved, the stronger the memory. Try these activities:

• Sand/salt trays: Write words with fingers in textured materials
• Rainbow writing: Trace words in different colors repeatedly
• Play dough letters: Build the letters physically
• Sky writing: Write large letters in the air with whole arm movements
• Tactile letters: Use sandpaper, magnetic, or foam letters to build words

3. Games and Interactive Practice

Children learn best when they're having fun. Turn tricky word practice into games:

• Word snap: Match word cards as quickly as possible
• Treasure hunt: Hide word cards around the house for children to find and read
• Memory pairs: Turn over matching word cards
• Digital games: Use interactive apps that provide immediate feedback

4. Little and Often

Research shows that frequent, short practice sessions are more effective than long, infrequent ones. Aim for:

• 5-10 minutes daily rather than 30 minutes once a week
• 3-5 words at a time rather than overwhelming them with 20
• Regular review of previously learned words to prevent forgetting

5. Context and Repetition in Reading

Once introduced, children need to see tricky words repeatedly in context:

• Point them out: When reading together, pause at tricky words and highlight them
• Choose appropriate books: Decodable readers that include practiced tricky words
• Create sentences: Write simple sentences using the target words
• Environmental print: Point out tricky words on signs, packaging, and around the home

How Often Should You Practice Tricky Words with Children?

Consistency is key when teaching tricky words. Here's what works:

Most children need to see and practice a tricky word at least 10-15 times before it becomes automatic. Don't rush—mastery is more important than speed.

Tips for Parents

For Parents at Home:

• Keep it relaxed: If your child is tired or resistant, take a break
• Praise effort: Celebrate attempts and progress, not just perfection
• Make it part of routine: After breakfast or before bedtime works well
• Use real-life contexts: Point out tricky words on cereal boxes, street signs, etc.
• Don't compare: Every child learns at their own pace

What to expect in the Classroom:

• Systematic approach: Following the phonics progression (Phases 2-6)
• Whole class teaching: Introduction of words to everyone, but differentiated practice
• Display words: A tricky word wall for constant reinforcement
• Assessment: Regular check ups to understand which children have mastered which words
• Home resources: Specific words given to practice at home

Printable Resources and Word Lists

Having organized word lists makes teaching tricky words much easier. Browse our complete collection of words organized by UK phonics phases:

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Teaching too many at once: Stick to 3-5 words at a time
• Not reviewing: Children forget words they don't see regularly—build in review time
• Making it boring: Games and variety keep children engaged
• Expecting instant results: Learning tricky words takes time and patience
• Focusing only on writing: Children need to recognize words when reading too

When to Seek Extra Help

Most children learn tricky words with consistent practice, but consider speaking to your child's teacher or a specialist if:

• Your child is significantly behind peers after 6 months of regular practice
• They show signs of dyslexia or other learning differences
• They become very distressed or anxious about reading
• Progress has completely stalled despite varied teaching approaches

Summary: The Key Principles

Written by parents, for parents. Last updated: March 2026

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