Spelling Tools

Platform: Online (browser-based and app versions available)
Cost: Subscription-based
Why it’s useful: One of the most well-known programs for dyslexic learners. Follows the Orton-Gillingham approach, rooted in synthetic phonics. Covers phonemic awareness, spelling rules, vocabulary, and comprehension. Highly engaging with games, animations, and humour to reduce learning anxiety.
Best for: Ages 5–12, particularly reluctant learners.

Platform: Online
Cost: Free trial available; low-cost subscription
Why it’s useful: Builds spelling through dictation and repeated exposure, following a linguistic phonics approach. Learners listen to a sentence, spell the missing word, and receive instant feedback. Words are retested until they’re consistently correct. Focuses on long-term retention.
Best for: Independent learning at home or as a supplement to tutoring.

Platform: iPad apps, printable/interactive resources, some online tools
Cost: Varies
Why it’s useful: A leading linguistic phonics programme. While most resources are designed for in-person teaching, Sounds-Write does offer some app-based spelling practice for children learning sound-to-print through the programme.
Note: Best when used alongside a parent/tutor trained in Sounds-Write.

Platform: Online (Windows/Mac/tablet)
Cost: Subscription (school and home versions)
Why it’s useful: Combines spelling, phonics, and high-frequency word practice through over 60 different games. Based on Alpha to Omega / Hornsby & Shear structured literacy programme. Highly customisable—can be aligned with a linguistic phonics approach, depending on how it's used.
Best for: Ages 5–14; learners who benefit from variety and gamification.

Platform: Online (Windows/Mac/tablet)
Cost: School subscription (can sometimes be accessed via EHCP provision)
Why it’s useful: Designed for dyslexic learners. Multisensory activities target spelling and reading using audio support, typing, and visual cues. Progress is tracked automatically. Not explicitly linguistic phonics, but highly supportive and well structured.
Best for: School-based or supported home learning.

Platform: Online
Cost: Subscription
Why it’s useful: Combines touch typing with spelling and reading using a structured, multisensory approach. While not strictly sound-to-print, the programme supports phoneme-grapheme correspondence through repeated exposure and motor memory.
Best for: Learners with dyslexia, dyspraxia, or processing difficulties who benefit from keyboard-based work.

Platform: App and online
Cost: Subscription
Why it’s useful: Adaptive learning platform that responds to the learner’s needs. Focuses on key spelling patterns and rules. Colourful and game-like, but not designed specifically for dyslexia or based in linguistic phonics.

Platform: Online
Cost: Subscription
Why it’s useful: Curriculum-aligned with options for differentiated learning. Offers spelling practice through structured games. Suitable for schools, and can be customised—but not inherently sound-to-print based.
Sir Linkalot
Platform: App (iOS, Android) and Web
Cost: Subscription (free trial available; often funded by schools or local authorities)
Why it’s useful: Sir Linkalot is a spelling app that uses visual memory techniques (mnemonics) to help learners remember tricky words. Rather than relying on phonics, it focuses on creating quirky, memorable links—through animated videos, cartoons, and wordplay—to lock the correct spelling into long-term memory. Bypasses phonological difficulties by using visual and semantic memory
- Fun, fast-paced animations engage learners who find traditional spelling methods frustrating
- Includes high-frequency words, homophones, punctuation, grammar, and vocabulary
- Ideal for those who have good ideas but struggle with spelling confidence
- Suitable as a complement to phonics-based programmes—not a replacement for structured literacy, but a great support tool
- Sir Linkalot can be especially effective for older learners who are tired of phonics-based spelling but still need support with accurate writing.
Best for: Ages 7+ (including secondary learners and adults), designed with dyslexic learners in mind