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Guide

Tricky Words

Teach tricky words with Jolly Phonics guidance, memory strategies, practice routines and resources for classroom success.

Mastering Tricky Words

Supporting writing and reading of irregular words

What are Tricky Words?

Watch What are Tricky Words? on YouTube

Tricky Words

Some frequently used words have letter sound correspondences that have not yet been taught, these are called tricky words in Jolly Phonics. Jolly Phonics introduces 72 tricky words systematically, using clear techniques to help pupils remember them. They are introduced from the /sh/ lesson in group 6 onward.

Step 1

Practice and Application

  • Together identify the regular and tricky parts.
  • Use the words on flashcards, in games and sentence reading.
  • Dictate known tricky words and sentences that use them.
  • Reinforce spelling regularly.

Step 2

Strategies to Support Memory

  1. Say it as it sounds: e.g., '/was/ for /woz/.'
  2. Word families: e.g., he, me, we, she. In all these words the letter ‹e› has an /ee/ sound rather than an /e/ sound.
  3. Tricky Word Routine: Look, copy, cover, write, check.
  4. Jolly Phonics Tricky Word Wall Flowers Display: Use colours to group tricky words.
  5. Mnemonics: e.g., “o u lucky duck” for could/should/would.

Need extra support for struggling pupils?

Resources to Support Tricky Word Practice

  • Jolly Phonics Tricky Word Wall Flowers

    Colourful displays of 72 tricky words in six flower sets. Each word is added around the central hat as taught, giving children clear visual cues that make locating and recalling tricky words engaging and effective.

    Jolly Phonics Tricky Word Wall Flowers

  • Jolly Phonics Tricky Word Hat

    A plush hat that makes tricky word learning interactive. With Velcro pads to attach words (sold separately) it turns lessons into fun activities, helping children actively recall tricky words in group games or whole-class teaching.

    Jolly Phonics Tricky Word Hat

  • Jolly Phonics Cards

    Four flashcard sets for daily teaching, revision and games. Covering letter sounds, regular and alternative word blending (with sound dots for support) and tricky words in teaching order. A practical resource for reinforcing phonics skills at every stage.

    Jolly Phonics Cards

Make tricky words less tricky!

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