700 Common Spelling Words for Kids to Learn [Downloadable List]

Did you know that teaching spelling explicitly can boost kids’ literacy skills by as much as 50%? Research shows that children who receive structured spelling lessons spell better and become stronger readers! A well-organized list of spelling words for kids helps them expand their vocabulary, improve their writing skills, and build the foundation for lifelong literacy. These lists teach kids how to spell correctly and help them recognize patterns and understand how words are formed.

Math & ELA | PreK To Grade 5

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In this blog, we’ve carefully selected simple and age-appropriate, common spelling words tailored to different groups, from preschool to grade 5. These lists focus on words that are most relevant to a child’s learning stage, including common sight words, phonetic patterns, and vocabulary builders. To make learning even more effective, we’ve included activities to help kids practice and retain their spelling skills. Let’s dive in!

List of 700 Spelling Words for Kids (Preschool to Grade 5)

100 Spelling Word List for Preschoolers

The preschool spelling words introduce young learners to simple, short words that are easy to pronounce and recognize. These words include common objects, colors, and animals, helping kids build foundational vocabulary and develop early spelling confidence through everyday themes.

100 Spelling Word List for Kindergarten

This list of spelling words for kindergarten focuses on short, phonetic words that follow basic letter-sound patterns. By practicing these words, children begin to understand how sounds combine to form words, laying the groundwork for reading and writing.

100 Spelling Word List for Grade 1

The easy spelling words for grade 1 include simple, high-frequency words that children encounter in daily reading. These words help first graders improve their spelling accuracy and strengthen their reading fluency by recognizing familiar word patterns.

100 Spelling Word List for Grade 2

Grade 2 spelling lists introduce slightly longer and more challenging words, including those with blends, digraphs, and simple suffixes. These words expand children’s word knowledge and improve their ability to spell with consistency and accuracy.

100 Spelling Word List for Grade 3

The grade 3 word list introduces vocabulary that is more complex and includes words with multiple syllables. These words help children transition from basic spelling skills to a deeper understanding of word structure, boosting their reading comprehension and writing ability.

100 Spelling Word List for Grade 4

Spelling words in grade 4 focus on words with prefixes, suffixes, and common letter combinations. These words challenge kids to spell accurately while enhancing their vocabulary and understanding of word meanings in context.

100 Spelling Word List for Grade 5

The grade 5 spelling words include more advanced vocabulary that reflects real-world usage and prepares children for middle school. By practicing these words, kids strengthen their spelling skills and learn to spell complex, multi-syllable words with confidence.

4 Activities to Practice Spelling

1. Word Search

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Explore More Spelling Worksheets!

Word search worksheets are a fun and effective way to help kids practice spelling. Here are some fun worksheets that feature themed word lists—like summer, winter, spring, or Christmas—that introduce relevant and easy-to-relate vocabulary such as umbrella, rainbow, gingerbread, and snow. Themes make learning engaging while helping kids connect new words to real-life experiences.

The worksheets also strengthen spelling skills by encouraging kids to focus on letter patterns as they search for words in the grid. Some even include challenges like finding antonyms (e.g., up/low, sad/happy), which help children understand word relationships. These activities improve concentration, reinforce correct spelling, and make learning feel like play.

2. Unscramble the Words

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Explore More Unscramble Worksheets!

Unscramble activities are a fantastic way to make spelling practice engaging and interactive for kids. These worksheets challenge children to rearrange jumbled letters to form meaningful words, which improves their spelling, word recognition, and logical thinking. By working through these puzzles, kids learn to focus on letter order and patterns while developing problem-solving skills.

The worksheets often feature fun themes to keep children interested. For example, a Halloween Jumble includes festive words like ghost and witch, while other worksheets introduce practical vocabulary like stationery items (e.g., pencil, crayons). The variety ensures that kids not only practice spelling but also expand their vocabulary in a meaningful way. The thrill of solving a word puzzle turns learning into a game, making it both productive and fun.

3. Commonly Misspelled Words

Children often struggle with spelling because many words sound similar or have tricky letter patterns. Words like absence, achieve, or actually are common culprits, as kids tend to rely on how words sound rather than their actual spelling. This can lead to frequent errors, especially with words that contain silent letters, double consonants, or irregular patterns. However, consistent practice with targeted activities can help kids identify these mistakes and build confidence in spelling correctly.

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Explore More Common Misspelling Worksheets!

These correct-the-spelling worksheets provide engaging practice where kids rewrite commonly misspelled words. By focusing on patterns and tricky spellings, children sharpen their attention to detail. Some worksheets also introduce fun, thematic elements like Thanksgiving Spelling, where kids pick the correct word related to the holiday. Activities like these not only reinforce correct spellings but also make the learning process enjoyable and relatable. Correcting misspelled words helps kids develop a stronger understanding of word structures while improving their accuracy and writing skills.

4. Spelling Relay

Spelling Relay is a fun and energetic activity that helps kids practice their spelling while staying active. Divide children into teams and give each team a set of words. One by one, team members run to a board, write a letter of the word, and then tag the next teammate to continue. The team that spells all the words correctly first wins. This activity combines physical movement with spelling practice, making learning fun and engaging while improving focus and teamwork.

Related Reading: Best Spelling Games for Kids

Conclusion

Helping kids learn to spell takes patience, practice, and fun activities. Start with basic spelling words suited to their level and gradually introduce more challenging ones. Use games, word searches, and real-life writing exercises to keep them engaged. Consistent practice with English spelling words for kids not only improves their spelling but also helps them recognize patterns and build confidence in reading and writing. With the right approach, learning to spell can be enjoyable and rewarding for every child.

Related Reading: Best Spelling Apps For Kids