English · Tracing and writing worksheet
Common Exception (Tricky) Words: Free KS1 Year 1 English Worksheet
In Year 1, children meet a group of words the National Curriculum calls common exception words — often known in the classroom as 'tricky words'. These are everyday words such as the, said, you, was and one that cannot be sounded out neatly using the phonics rules a child has learned so far. Because they break the usual patterns, they have to be recognised and remembered as wholes.
This free printable gives your child gentle practice with some of the most common of these words. They first trace each word to feel its shape and letter order, then write it again from memory. It prints to a single A4 page, and there is a friendly owl to colour in once the writing is done.
Common Exception (Tricky) Words: Trace and Write
Free English worksheet · Ages 5 to 6
Trace the tricky words
Trace each tricky word carefully. Say the word out loud as you trace it.
Now write them yourself
Cover the words above. Write each tricky word on the line all by yourself.
the
said
you
was
one
Common Exception (Tricky) Words: Trace and Writeowee.worldAnswer key
- the — the
- said — said
- you — you
- was — was
- one — one
What is on the worksheet
The worksheet focuses on five of the most frequently used Year 1 common exception words: the, said, you, was and one. First your child traces each word along dotted guide lines to build a memory of its letter sequence and shape. Then there is a short writing task where they write each word again on their own, this time without tracing, to check that the spelling is starting to stick. A cheerful owl wearing a graduation hat sits alongside the words, ready to be coloured in as a reward for finishing.
How to use it at home or in the classroom
Read each word aloud together first and use it in a quick spoken sentence, for example 'You said the dog was one year old.' Encourage your child to say the word as they trace it, then cover the traced version and have a go at writing it from memory. Little and often works best with tricky words: a few minutes a day is far more effective than one long session. If a word is forgotten, simply look back at the traced example, say it together, and try again — there is no penalty for needing another look.
What your child will learn
Common exception words make up a large share of the words in everyday reading, so recognising and spelling them quickly frees children to enjoy stories and to write more fluently. This sheet supports your child in learning to read these words by sight and to begin spelling them correctly, while the tracing element gives valuable handwriting and fine-motor practice. The aim at this stage is confident, automatic recognition rather than the ability to explain why the spelling is unusual.
A note for teachers
These five words are drawn from the Year 1 common exception word list in English Appendix 1 of the National Curriculum. The sheet works well as an independent morning task, an early-finisher activity, or a take-home practice sheet to share with parents. You may wish to pair it with the full Year 1 list, or to revisit the same words across several days using different activities. The 'write from memory' task can double as a quick informal spelling check before moving on to the next set of words.
Frequently asked questions
What are common exception words in Year 1?
Common exception words are everyday words that do not follow the usual phonics patterns a child has been taught, so they cannot be reliably sounded out. The Year 1 list in the National Curriculum includes words such as the, a, do, to, said, was, you, your, they, one, once, friend, school and full. Many teachers call them 'tricky words', and children learn to recognise and spell them as wholes.
What is the difference between tricky words and common exception words?
They usually mean the same thing. 'Common exception words' is the term used in the National Curriculum, while 'tricky words' is the friendlier phrase used in many phonics schemes and classrooms. Both describe words that break the regular sound rules and need to be remembered rather than fully sounded out.
How can I help my child learn tricky words at home?
Keep practice short and frequent — just a few minutes a day. Say each word aloud, use it in a sentence, trace it, then cover it and write it from memory. Spotting the same words in books your child is reading also helps them become automatic, which is exactly what this worksheet is designed to support.
Is this worksheet free to print?
Yes. This worksheet is completely free to download and print. It is designed to fit neatly onto one A4 page, so you can print as many copies as you need for home or the classroom.
What age is this worksheet for?
It is aimed at children aged 5 to 6 in Year 1 (KS1), where common exception words are first taught formally. It can also be used as gentle revision in early Year 2 or as a confidence builder for any child who is still learning to read and spell these words.
Curriculum links
- English, Key Stage 1, Year 1 spelling: read and spell the Year 1 common exception words, noting the unusual correspondences between spelling and sound and where these occur in the word (English Appendix 1).
- English, Key Stage 1, Year 1 reading (word reading): read accurately by blending sounds in unfamiliar words, and read common exception words, noting unusual correspondences between spelling and sound.
- English, Key Stage 1, Year 1 writing (handwriting): form lower-case letters in the correct direction, starting and finishing in the right place.
- English, Key Stage 1, Year 1 writing (transcription): spell common exception words, applying simple spelling rules and guidance from English Appendix 1.
Made by The Owee education team. Updated 02/06/2026. Free to print and share.
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