Singapore primary English spelling lists, P1 to P6
Every level, with the spelling patterns each list is really testing, and a free practice tool that reads the words aloud so your child can practise without you.
Choose a level
Why practise by pattern, not by list
A spelling list looks like 12 separate words. It is usually three or four patterns repeated. A child who learns that rain, train and paint share one vowel team has learned three words and a rule, which is why pattern practice survives the test and list-cramming does not.
Every page above groups the words that way, and each one includes a practice tool that reads the word aloud. Hearing the word is the part that matters: the school test is spoken, so practice should be spoken too.
The five-minute routine that works
- Photograph the list. The list from school is always the real target. Everything else is preparation for it.
- Two words at a time, spoken. Play the word, child repeats, child writes. Repeat before writing is the step that removes careless errors.
- Check immediately. A correction within seconds beats a correction the next day.
- Test again in the morning. Recall after sleep is what the Friday test measures.
Frequently asked
Where do Singapore spelling lists come from?
Each school sets its own list, usually drawn from the English syllabus and the class reader, and it is sent home weekly or per term. There is no single national list, which is why the best practice target is the paper your child brings home.
How many words a week is normal?
Roughly 8 to 12 in P1 and P2, and 10 to 15 in P3 upwards. If the number seems much higher, the list is usually split across more than one test date.
Is 听写 practice different from English spelling?
Yes. Chinese tests whole characters where stroke order and character choice matter, so see the 华文 听写 pages instead.
Practise the list your child actually brought home
Photograph the spelling list and Spell Buddy turns it into a spoken test in about two minutes.
Try Spell Buddy free →