Tricky Words List

Not every word follows the phonics rules.

Our Phonics tricky words (red words) list focuses on common exception words that children can’t always sound out using regular decoding strategies. These are the high-frequency words that appear again and again in early reading books — and recognising them quickly makes reading smoother and less frustrating.

It’s especially useful for:

• Building automatic sight recognition
• Improving reading fluency and flow
• Supporting spelling of common exception words
• Quick daily revision and confidence boosts

Read them together, use them in short “flash and say” sessions, or pop a few into silly sentences. A minute or two a day helps these words stick — and that makes everything else easier.

Available in both colour and black and white versions.