From Year 3 Phonics & High Frequency Words – School & Home Version

From Year 3 – Phonics & High Frequency Words

Year Level: Years 3 to 6

Following an extensive literature review, PLD has upgraded our approach to high frequency words (HFW). In a recent blog, a range of tips were provided to remove the confusion that surrounds sight words. Since that point, we have developed our approach further. Our 2020 approach to HFW tackles three commonly encountered issues:

  1. Teaching HFW in the order of frequency is important, however, the complexity and the composition of the words require a greater level of consideration for an early literacy learner.
  2. Applying a set of HFW to a year level (e.g. The first 100 words in Foundation, the second 100 in Year 1 etc) does not take into account the developmental level that students are operating at, and which HFW match the class’s phonic and phonemic awareness knowledge.
  3. The existing evidence-base consistently argues for HFW to be presented within an SSP program. Although this is repeatedly stated, it is unclear how the amalgamation of phonics and HFW should actually occur.

It is in direct response to issues such as these, that we at PLD embarked on the following process: 

  1. Rather than focusing upon individual HFW lists, we amalgamated the words that occurred within a range of HFW lists commonly used within Australia.
  2. With the expanded HFW list, we organised the words not on the basis of frequency of occurrence, but in terms of their location within PLD’s SSP progression.
  3. The remaining irregular HFW or complex words (with sophisticated or advanced phonic concepts) were clustered according to spelling patterns and frequency of occurrence. 
  4. All words were colour coded to illustrate the relationship between the sound and phonic structure.

For more information on the development of this resource, continue reading rethinking High Frequency Words within PLD’s Structured Synthetic Phonics program. Click on the links below to download the other High Frequency Words within SSP Charts:

Foundation Downloadable Charts

Year 1 Downloadable Charts

Year 2 Downloadable Charts

Year 3+ Downloadable Charts

Download all 7 charts in one PDF

HFW Overview Charts

Screening the Reading and Spelling of HFW’s

Review semester 2 reading and spelling irregular high frequency word knowledge through the presentation of the screen outlined in the Year 3, 4, 5 & 6 Screening & Tracking Manual. This check is optional and could be presented in Week 10 of Term 2 & 4.

See our Copyright Terms of Use at https://pld-literacy.org/help-pages/copyright-policy/.

  • From Year 3 - Phonics & High Frequency Words
    Year 3, 4, 5 & 6 Screening & Tracking Manual

    The Year 3, 4, 5 & 6 Screening & Tracking Manual outlines step-by-step instructions including what and when to screen, the materials required, time allocations and discontinue rules. We recommended that the screens are administered following a solid period of repeated targeted instruction as outlined in the Year 3, 4, 5 & 6 Teaching Sequence […]

    The Year 3, 4, 5 & 6 Screening & Tracking Manual outlines step-by-step instructions including what and when to screen, the materials required, time allocations

  • From Year 3 - Phonics & High Frequency Words
    Foundation to Year 3 High-Frequency Word Teaching Sequence

    An evidence-based structured synthetic phonics (SSP) program that integrates the teaching of high frequency words (HFW’s) within the phonic sequence.

    Following an extensive literature review recently, PLD upgraded our approach to teaching high-frequency words (HFW) by amalgamating it with our phonic progression. Our unique approach

  • From Year 3 - Phonics & High Frequency Words
    Year 2 – Phonics & High Frequency Words

    Following an extensive literature review, PLD has upgraded our approach to high frequency words (HFW). In a recent blog, a range of tips were provided to remove the confusion that surrounds sight words. Since that point, we have developed our approach further. Our 2020 approach to HFW tackles three commonly encountered issues: Teaching HFW in […]

    Following an extensive literature review, PLD has upgraded our approach to high frequency words (HFW). In a recent blog, a range of tips were provided

People who viewed this also viewed...

  • Phonic Dictation – Stage 3
    From Year 3 - Phonics & High Frequency Words

    Learning to apply phonic knowledge to writing tasks.

    What happens when the correct spelling of test words does not transfer to writing? Students often write words correctly in spelling tests but struggle when applying their new knowledge to written work? As a general rule, students require many opportunities to rehearse their skills in contexts of increasing complexity. Phonic Dictation – Stage 3 focuses on a variety of spelling and phonics concepts. As students complete the dictation tasks, they are faced with the challenge of applying their recently acquired spelling concepts to the rewriting of passages. The presentation of regular phonic dictation sessions enables students to rehearse transferring spelling concepts to their writing. Dictation tasks require minimal preparation but produce significant gains in all areas of literacy. When presented on a regular basis, dictation tasks hold the potential to produce a significant increase in a range of areas. Dictation improves the following skills in students: listening auditory memory handwriting language spelling Most importantly, dictation assists in the translation of spelling list words to students’ self-generated writing. The short presentation formats outline dictation only, the extended formats provide reading, editing and writing tasks. Phonic Dictation – Stage 3 focuses on: Revision of Phonic Dictation – Stage 2 phonic concepts. Phonemic spelling strategy and phonic concepts (e.g. igh, -y, i-e, tch, dge, get, ea as ‘e’.) Onset and rime spelling strategy and phonic concepts (e.g. ace, ice, air.) Syllabic spelling strategy and phonic concepts (e.g. ph, ble, qu, be.) Generous discounts apply for bulk orders 5 to 9 copies – 15% discount applies 10+ copies – 20% discount applies The other programs within the range include: First Writing Activities (Foundation) Phonic Dictation – Stage 1 Phonic Dictation – Stage 2 Phonic Dictation – Stage 3 Phonic Dictation – Stage 4 Phonic Dictation – Stage 5 Phonic Dictation – Stage 6 Phonic Dictation – Junior & Middle Primary (Stages 1, 2, 3 & 4) Full Set of Phonic Dictation Books Stage 1 Catch-up Phonic Dictation (For Older Students) Stage 2 Catch-up Phonic Dictation (For Older Students)

    From $65.00$65.00 incl. GST
  • Structured Synthetic Phonics Time-Savers – Stage 3 & 4
    From Year 3 - Phonics & High Frequency Words

    What happens when the correct spelling of test words does not transfer to writing? Students often write words correctly in spelling tests but struggle when applying their new knowledge to written work? As a general rule, students require many opportunities to rehearse their skills in contexts of increasing complexity. Phonic Dictation – Stage 3 focuses on a variety of spelling and phonics concepts. As students complete the dictation tasks, they are faced with the challenge of applying their recently acquired spelling concepts to the rewriting of passages. The presentation of regular phonic dictation sessions enables students to rehearse transferring spelling concepts to their writing. Dictation tasks require minimal preparation but produce significant gains in all areas of literacy. When presented on a regular basis, dictation tasks hold the potential to produce a significant increase in a range of areas. Dictation improves the following skills in students: listening auditory memory handwriting language spelling Most importantly, dictation assists in the translation of spelling list words to students’ self-generated writing. The short presentation formats outline dictation only, the extended formats provide reading, editing and writing tasks. Phonic Dictation – Stage 3 focuses on: Revision of Phonic Dictation – Stage 2 phonic concepts. Phonemic spelling strategy and phonic concepts (e.g. igh, -y, i-e, tch, dge, get, ea as ‘e’.) Onset and rime spelling strategy and phonic concepts (e.g. ace, ice, air.) Syllabic spelling strategy and phonic concepts (e.g. ph, ble, qu, be.) Generous discounts apply for bulk orders 5 to 9 copies – 15% discount applies 10+ copies – 20% discount applies The other programs within the range include: First Writing Activities (Foundation) Phonic Dictation – Stage 1 Phonic Dictation – Stage 2 Phonic Dictation – Stage 3 Phonic Dictation – Stage 4 Phonic Dictation – Stage 5 Phonic Dictation – Stage 6 Phonic Dictation – Junior & Middle Primary (Stages 1, 2, 3 & 4) Full Set of Phonic Dictation Books Stage 1 Catch-up Phonic Dictation (For Older Students) Stage 2 Catch-up Phonic Dictation (For Older Students)

    From $65.00$65.00 incl. GST
  • Phonic and Sight Word Sequence
    From Year 3 - Phonics & High Frequency Words

    Outlining the relationship between letters and sounds.

    What happens when the correct spelling of test words does not transfer to writing? Students often write words correctly in spelling tests but struggle when applying their new knowledge to written work? As a general rule, students require many opportunities to rehearse their skills in contexts of increasing complexity. Phonic Dictation – Stage 3 focuses on a variety of spelling and phonics concepts. As students complete the dictation tasks, they are faced with the challenge of applying their recently acquired spelling concepts to the rewriting of passages. The presentation of regular phonic dictation sessions enables students to rehearse transferring spelling concepts to their writing. Dictation tasks require minimal preparation but produce significant gains in all areas of literacy. When presented on a regular basis, dictation tasks hold the potential to produce a significant increase in a range of areas. Dictation improves the following skills in students: listening auditory memory handwriting language spelling Most importantly, dictation assists in the translation of spelling list words to students’ self-generated writing. The short presentation formats outline dictation only, the extended formats provide reading, editing and writing tasks. Phonic Dictation – Stage 3 focuses on: Revision of Phonic Dictation – Stage 2 phonic concepts. Phonemic spelling strategy and phonic concepts (e.g. igh, -y, i-e, tch, dge, get, ea as ‘e’.) Onset and rime spelling strategy and phonic concepts (e.g. ace, ice, air.) Syllabic spelling strategy and phonic concepts (e.g. ph, ble, qu, be.) Generous discounts apply for bulk orders 5 to 9 copies – 15% discount applies 10+ copies – 20% discount applies The other programs within the range include: First Writing Activities (Foundation) Phonic Dictation – Stage 1 Phonic Dictation – Stage 2 Phonic Dictation – Stage 3 Phonic Dictation – Stage 4 Phonic Dictation – Stage 5 Phonic Dictation – Stage 6 Phonic Dictation – Junior & Middle Primary (Stages 1, 2, 3 & 4) Full Set of Phonic Dictation Books Stage 1 Catch-up Phonic Dictation (For Older Students) Stage 2 Catch-up Phonic Dictation (For Older Students)

    From $65.00$65.00 incl. GST
  • Structured Synthetic Phonics Time-Savers – Stage 5 & 6
    From Year 3 - Phonics & High Frequency Words

    Ready to use resources for teaching phonic concepts, spelling and reading.

    What happens when the correct spelling of test words does not transfer to writing? Students often write words correctly in spelling tests but struggle when applying their new knowledge to written work? As a general rule, students require many opportunities to rehearse their skills in contexts of increasing complexity. Phonic Dictation – Stage 3 focuses on a variety of spelling and phonics concepts. As students complete the dictation tasks, they are faced with the challenge of applying their recently acquired spelling concepts to the rewriting of passages. The presentation of regular phonic dictation sessions enables students to rehearse transferring spelling concepts to their writing. Dictation tasks require minimal preparation but produce significant gains in all areas of literacy. When presented on a regular basis, dictation tasks hold the potential to produce a significant increase in a range of areas. Dictation improves the following skills in students: listening auditory memory handwriting language spelling Most importantly, dictation assists in the translation of spelling list words to students’ self-generated writing. The short presentation formats outline dictation only, the extended formats provide reading, editing and writing tasks. Phonic Dictation – Stage 3 focuses on: Revision of Phonic Dictation – Stage 2 phonic concepts. Phonemic spelling strategy and phonic concepts (e.g. igh, -y, i-e, tch, dge, get, ea as ‘e’.) Onset and rime spelling strategy and phonic concepts (e.g. ace, ice, air.) Syllabic spelling strategy and phonic concepts (e.g. ph, ble, qu, be.) Generous discounts apply for bulk orders 5 to 9 copies – 15% discount applies 10+ copies – 20% discount applies The other programs within the range include: First Writing Activities (Foundation) Phonic Dictation – Stage 1 Phonic Dictation – Stage 2 Phonic Dictation – Stage 3 Phonic Dictation – Stage 4 Phonic Dictation – Stage 5 Phonic Dictation – Stage 6 Phonic Dictation – Junior & Middle Primary (Stages 1, 2, 3 & 4) Full Set of Phonic Dictation Books Stage 1 Catch-up Phonic Dictation (For Older Students) Stage 2 Catch-up Phonic Dictation (For Older Students)

    From $65.00$65.00 incl. GST