Silent Letters and Tricky Spelling

About This Worksheet

This Year 6 spelling worksheet gives students focused practice with silent letters and less predictable spelling patterns. It helps students notice that English spelling is not always a direct match for pronunciation and encourages careful word study.

What Students Practise

Students identify silent letters, recognise recurring spelling patterns, apply spelling choices in words and use visual knowledge of words to support accurate spelling. They also practise checking unfamiliar words rather than relying only on how a word sounds.

How to Use It

Begin by reading the target words aloud and asking students which letters are heard and which are not. Sort words by pattern where appropriate, then complete the worksheet. Ask students to reread their answers and explain the spelling pattern they noticed. Keep a personal word list for tricky words that need repeated practice.

Parent Tip

When your child meets a tricky spelling, ask them to look at the whole word and identify the silent letter. Encourage them to write the word, say it aloud and check it again rather than simply guessing from sound.

Learning Intention

Students apply spelling knowledge to words containing silent letters.

Australian Curriculum

Supports Year 6 English learning. (AC9E6LY08)

Teacher Notes

Sort words by their silent letter pattern to build visual memory.

Skills Practised

• Advanced spelling
• Pattern recognition
• Word study