Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar
(SPaG)
Guide for Parents and Carers
What is SPaG?
SPaG stands for ‘spelling, punctuation and grammar’.
While these principles have always formed the
cornerstone of literacy, a renewed focus has emerged in
recent years.
Why does SPaG matter?
SPaG matters from an assessment point of view but,
more importantly, an ability to effectively use spelling,
punctuation and grammar will enable your child to forge
opportunities and express themselves.
Assessment: The new English grammar, punctuation and
spelling test (informally known as the SPaG test) was
introduced in May 2013 as part of the KS2 SATs
programme for Year 6 pupils, replacing the previous
English writing test.
Beyond assessment: Initial judgement is often based on
a piece of writing. SPaG matters whether an individual is
applying to be head boy or girl, completing a personal
statement to go to university, seeking employment or
complaining to the council about a noisy neighbour.
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Section 1: Spelling
What are the expectations for my child?
The new National Curriculum sets high expectations
regarding spelling for KS2 pupils. In addition to providing
children with spelling strategies, we are also conducting
weekly tests on a range of words selected from the
‘statutory word list’ (see hand-out).
What is happening at Gomer Junior School?
Gomer Junior School is currently implementing a range
of new strategies to teach spelling: phonics (sound
options); visualisation; mnemonics; rules; etymology;
and dictionary skills. The reason for this range of
strategies is that no child is alike and, furthermore, no
single strategy will guarantee success.
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What can I do to help my child succeed at spelling?

Practice: Ensure that your child practises their
spellings in preparation for their weekly spelling
test (Monday). Little and often is recommended
and praise is vital. Conduct your own tests at
home prior to the school test.

Reading: Read with your child on a regular basis;
those who encounter words more frequently are
more likely to visualise the correct spelling.

Games: Play word games such as (Junior)
Scrabble, Pass the Bomb or Boggle.

Puzzles: Print out word searches and crosswords
for your child. For a more modern approach,
there is a free iPad/android app called Four Pics,
One Word.

Dictate: Put your child in charge of tasks by
asking them to write lists that you spell out
(shopping lists etc.)
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Section 2: Punctuation and grammar
What are the expectations for my child?
Again, the new National Curriculum sets high
expectations regarding punctuation and grammar for
KS2 pupils. Although a clear path of progression has
been established, certain terms transcend year groups.
An awareness of these will aid an individual’s academic
progress. A small sample is displayed on the opposite
page.
What is happening at Gomer Junior School?
Punctuation and grammar is now being taught discretely
at Gomer Junior School. This arrangement is in addition
to regular input throughout the timetable and across
the curriculum. Discrete lessons follow a structure that
replicates phonics sessions experienced by your child in
KS1: Recap; Explain; Write; Apply: Assess. While
introducing a new piece of learning, teachers aim to
further integrate previous learning.
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Term
Explanation
Verb
An action word.
Noun
Adjective
Adverb
Connective
Clause
Phrase
Simple sentence
Compound
sentence
Complex
sentence
Example(s)
Playing,
disappearing.
A person, place or Bus, Jimmy,
thing.
bravery.
A word that
Magical, golden,
describes a noun. colossal.
A word that
Swiftly,
describes a verb.
courageously.
A word that links
And, but,
clauses.
however.
Words with a verb Although
and subject
exhausted,
pairing.
Roger played
football.
Words without a
Although
verb and subject
exhausted,
pairing.
Roger played
football.
A sentence
Mary told a
consisting of only joke.
one clause.
Two simple
Mary told a joke
sentences joined
and Harry
by a connective.
laughed.
An independent
Mary told a
clause and one
joke while
dependent
James hid.
clause/phrase.
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What can I do to help my child succeed at punctuation
and grammar?
In addition to helping your child successfully apply
grammatical terminology, there are many fun games to
explore:

Silly sentence makers: Encourage your child to
make up funny sentences which still make
grammatical sense. Write a selection of subjects,
verbs, adjectives, adverbs, connectives etc. on
individual flashcards and get your child to
compose crazy sentences, such as, ‘The hairy
baby rode crazily to the crystal moon on a purple
banana.’

Get your sentences in order: For younger
children, write the words of a simple sentence –
such as, ‘A duck swims on the pond.’ – on
individual slips of paper and get them to put the
words into the correct order. Use more
challenging sentences (complex, drop-ins,
fronted adverbials etc.) for older children.

Use online resources and games: There’s a
wealth of interactive games that can make
grammar fun. Try: The British Council’s grammar
games, BBC Bitesize Grammar and Grammar
Gorillas.
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Writing: The wider context
SPaG is an essential component of becoming a skilled
and effective writer. A skilled writer also has a command
of a) text structure and organisation b) composition and
effect. To view a range of levelled writing, access
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications and
search ‘writing exemplification’.
According to the government (Research Report DFERR096), the expected attainment for the majority of
pupils at the end of KS2 is level 4. Nationally, 41% of KS2
leavers were adjudged to be level 5 or above
(SFR34/2013).
To conclude
We are excited by our focus on SPaG and we hope that
you share our view concerning the importance of the
subject. We are fortunate that our cohort has extremely
supportive parents and carers and, accordingly, we
believe that encouraging the triangulation of education between pupil, parent and school - is an essential
mechanism in securing the educational well-being of our
children. If you have any further questions regarding
SPaG please do not hesitate to talk to a member of staff.
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