Word study: February to guide

1 · Learn

Work on one or two words at a time, then come back on another day. Say a word with an adult, explain its meaning and notice its tricky letters. Look, cover, write, uncover and check. A copied word is a useful start; remembering it later and using it correctly are the next steps.

February: the second month of the year. Keep both r letters in February, even if one is less clear when spoken; use a capital F. Read: 'Our class planted the seeds in February.'

forward: towards the front or ahead. Forward has for at the start and ward at the end. Read: 'Move the counter forward one space.'

forwards: towards the front or ahead. Forwards is forward with a final s; both forms can describe direction. Read: 'The robot moved forwards along the line.'

fruit: the seed-bearing part of a flowering plant, such as an apple. Fruit keeps ui together before t. Read: 'We cut open an apple fruit and saw its seeds.'

grammar: the patterns used to build words and sentences. Grammar has double m and ends ar. Read: 'Our grammar discussion compared statements and questions.'

group: people or things considered together. Group has ou in the middle. Read: 'Each group chose a different problem to solve.'

guard: a person who watches over or protects something. Guard keeps u after g and before ar. Read: 'In the story, the guard watched the castle gate.'

guide: a person who helps others find their way. Guide keeps u after g and ends ide. Read: 'The museum guide explained where the old map was kept.'

2 · Worked example

Study February. I say what it means: the second month of the year. I notice the spelling: Keep both r letters in February, even if one is less clear when spoken; use a capital F. I cover the model, write the word, then compare every letter. If a letter is wrong, I correct that part and try again later, rather than copying it many times without thinking.

3 · Your turn

Cover the word list. Write the word meaning 'towards the front or ahead'. Uncover and check it. Now write a different sentence using forward; explain to an adult how your sentence shows its meaning.

4 · Apply your learning

Choose two words you found difficult. Ask an adult to read the model sentences aloud, discuss unfamiliar meanings, then dictate one sentence without showing it. Check the spelling and punctuation together. Revisit those words tomorrow and later in the week; record the words you still need to practise on paper or the pad.