High frequency words

Welcome to our collection high frequency words teaching resources! Whether you're new to teaching or looking for new ideas, this collection of resources aims to support you in making high frequency word learning engaging and effective for your class.

What are examples of high frequency words?

High frequency words are those common words that appear most often in written materials. Some classic examples include 'the', 'and', 'a', 'to', 'said', 'in', 'he', 'was', 'it' and 'they'. Many of these words can't be sounded out using typical phonics strategies, which is why they need special attention in our teaching.

What is the highest frequency word?

The word 'the' holds the crown for being the most frequently used word in the English language. It appears so often that it accounts for nearly 4% of all printed words in English texts. This little word is essential for our young readers to recognise automatically.

What order do children learn high frequency words in?

Children typically learn high frequency words alongside phonics, following a structured sequence through the different phases. The order usually aligns with phonics phases and year groups:

• Phase 2 (Reception): Simple decodable and tricky words like 'the', 'to', 'I', 'no', 'go', 'into'
• Phase 3 (Reception): Common words like 'he', 'she', 'we', 'me', 'be', 'was'
• Phase 4 (Reception/Year 1): Words like 'said', 'have', 'like', 'some', 'come'
• Phase 5 (Year 1): More complex words including 'oh', 'their', 'people', 'called', 'asked'
• Phase 6 (Year 2): Advanced words such as 'because', 'different', 'would', 'should', 'could'

How to teach high frequency words

Teaching high frequency words effectively requires a multi-sensory approach that keeps children engaged and excited about learning. Here are some tried-and-tested strategies:

• Look, Say, Cover, Write, Check: This method works well for embedding word recognition. Try our Look, Say, Cover, Write, Check template, available as a free PDF!
• Word walls: Create an interactive display that grows with your class's learning. This Personal word wall template is great for developing individual word walls for each child.
• Games and movement: Use active games like treasure hunts or snakes and ladders to make learning fun. Try our Active spelling activity cards, Common words dice game or Sight word snakes and ladders.
• Little and often: Frequent, short practice sessions are more effective than lengthy, occasional ones. These 100 high frequency word cards are versatile and perfect for regular practice. Make your practice sessions engaging with anagrams, crosswords or word searches.
• Real context: It's important to show words in meaningful contexts through quality texts and writing opportunities all through the key stages.

Browse our full collection of teaching resources for high frequency words below, and don't forget to explore our complementary spelling and phonics collections to support your literacy teaching.