Spelling test maker

How to use the spelling test maker

Type your child's words into Your spelling words (the sample list of ten commonly misspelled words is just a placeholder), or switch Word list to one of our grade-level spelling lists and pick a unit. Set Word order to Shuffled for a final test. The student page prints with numbered lines, name and date fields and a score box showing the total.

Turn on Answer key to add the dictation script: the same words in the same order, numbered to match. You read from the script; your child writes on the test. For a test template with no words, clear the list and choose how many Blank test lines you want, from 5 to 30.

A better weekly spelling test routine

A test is most useful when it shapes the week's practice, not just grades it at the end:

1. Monday pretest. Give the whole list cold. Only the missed words need study.
2. Practice the misses. Use the spelling worksheet generator for missing letters, word shapes or look-say-cover-write-check with just those words.
3. Midweek check. A quick shuffled retest of the missed words.
4. Friday test. The full list, shuffled. Correct each miss by writing it three times while saying the letters.

Keep the corrected tests in a folder. Words that keep coming back belong on next week's list too.

How many words for each grade

Our grade lists follow these sizes: 6 words per unit in kindergarten, 10 in 1st grade, 12 in 2nd grade and 15 from 3rd grade on. For contest practice, the spelling bee word lists print the same way, ten words at a time.

Giving the test

Read each word clearly and naturally, not syllable by syllable, then use it in a short sentence that shows the meaning, then say it once more. Wait until your child has finished writing before the next word. Homophones (their, there) always need a sentence. For younger children, let them say the word back to you before writing.

Printing tips

Print at actual size. Print the dictation script on its own page so it stays out of sight during the test. Reuse the blank template for weekly tests by printing a stack at once.

When worksheets aren't enough

If your child studies hard but still misses the same kinds of words week after week, the list may be too hard, or the underlying patterns haven't been taught. A structured program fills that gap: compare options in our best spelling curriculum guide or browse spelling programs. All About Spelling and Sequential Spelling are built around patterns, and Spelling Shed adds games and assignable lists. Some education savings accounts and scholarships can pay for curriculum like this; each program decides, so check what your state offers and save options to your wishlist.