Year 1 Common Exception Words – Word Searches (Sets 1–4)
A set of four two-page word searches built around the Year 1 common exception words – the high-frequency words that don't follow the usual phonics rules (like 'said', 'was' and 'friend'). Page 1 is the puzzle; page 2 repeats the grid with the word list, so children can check their own work.
What it covers
- Set 1: the, do, to, today, of, said, says, are, were, was, is, his
- Set 2: has, you, your, they, be, he, me, she, we, no, go, so
- Set 3: by, my, here, there, where, love, come, some, one, once, ask, friend
- Set 4: school, put, push, pull, our, full, house
- Visual word recognition and letter-by-letter spelling
Who it's for
Year 1 children (age 5–6) learning to read and spell the statutory common exception words, plus Reception children who are ready for a challenge and Year 2 children who need a recap.
How to use it
Do one set a week. Once a word is found, ask your child to write it, then use it in a spoken sentence. Short, regular practice works best.
Want help with this?
Our tutors can work through it with your child and fill any gaps.
Book Top-Up TuitionMore Year 1 resources
Year 1 Autumn English Activity Booklet
15 pages of autumn-themed reading, grammar and spelling activities, with a full answer booklet.
Year 1 Summer Maths Activity Booklet
14 pages of summer-themed maths puzzles covering the whole Year 1 curriculum, with answers.
