For ages 7 - 10
Focus on phonics-based exceptions and high-frequency words that appear in early readers. Use mnemonics, rhymes, or visualisation techniques—for instance, “Big Elephants Can Always Understand Small Elephants” for because. As learners grow older, tricky words evolve into subject-specific terms or words with irregular spellings that don’t conform to learned patterns.
For ages 11 - 14
Strategies like breaking words into syllables, using etymology, or creating word families (favourite, favour, favourable) can make a significant difference. Regular practice through reading, writing, and targeted exercises ensures these words become familiar and automatic over time.