Stage 8: Spelling Complex Words guidance - Resource

Stage 8 of the All Aboard Phonics Plus Manual is the culmination of a series of stages aimed at helping children master the art of spelling increasingly complex words. This stage is not deemed essential but is considered a significant bonus, as children who have successfully navigated the earlier stages tend to naturally progress in their spelling abilities. The manual suggests that children who have not been exposed to Phase 5 of the main SSP programme should not attempt Stage 7 or 8, as these involve complex word structures that are introduced at that phase. Lesson plans are structured to be brief and engaging, lasting 10-15 minutes, and they incorporate a variety of activities such as Word Breaker, Word Builder, and Phoneme Frame, all designed to break down and construct words in a way that solidifies the child's understanding and ability to spell complex words.

The resource provides a comprehensive approach to learning, with a series of sessions that include interactive games like Grapheme Match and Climb The Mast, as well as creative exercises like Letter to an Alien and Post-It Spy. These activities not only focus on spelling but also encourage reading and comprehension. Children are prompted to use grapheme cards and other visual aids to assist in the spelling process, and they engage in writing practice with prompts that stimulate imagination, such as describing their perfect fancy dress costume or what they would do if they could stop time for a day. The manual also includes a word bank with complex word structures and nonsense words to challenge the children's phonetic skills, ensuring that by the end of Stage 8, they are well-equipped to spell a wide array of words with confidence.