Prep/Foundation Tricky Words Resource Aligned with InitiaLit® | 211 Pages

Make teaching and revising tricky words engaging, organised, and visually appealing with this comprehensive Prep/Foundation resource, designed to complement and align with the InitiaLit® sequence and colour-coding system.

This resource has been carefully created to help young learners confidently learn, practise and revise tricky words without becoming overwhelmed. With multiple display and practice options included, you can choose the format that best suits your classroom space and teaching style.

What's Included?

Tricky Word Tree Display

Create a growing "Tricky Word Tree" in your classroom!

• Large colour-coded leaf displays featuring all tricky words aligned with the InitiaLit® program.
• Words are easy to see from a distance, making them perfect for whole-class reference and revision.
• Included lock covers can be placed over words that have not yet been introduced, allowing you to gradually reveal new learning and keep students focused on the words they know.

Small Leaf Version

Perfect for classrooms with limited display space.

• The same colour-coded tricky words presented on smaller leaves.
• Ideal for compact bulletin boards, wall spaces, or smaller classrooms.

Tricky Word Locks

A unique feature designed to support cognitive load and student confidence.

• Simply cover words that have not yet been taught.
• Reveal new words as they are introduced.
• Helps students focus on current learning rather than becoming overwhelmed by a large number of unfamiliar words.

Tricky Word Cards (4 per A4 Page)

• Four words per page for easy printing and preparation.
• Ideal for reading practice, literacy rotations, small-group instruction, intervention sessions, and games.

Keyring Practice Cards

• Small rectangular cards that can be laminated and placed on keyrings.
• Organise cards into teaching sets.
• Students can independently practise reading tricky words during literacy centres, fast finisher activities, take-home practice, or intervention sessions.

Large Display Cards (2 per A4 Page)

An alternative display option for classrooms that do not have space for a word tree.

• Large, easy-to-read cards.
• Matching lock covers included.
• Display and unlock words as they are taught throughout the year.

Daily Revision Sheets

• All tricky words organised across two A4 sheets.
• Print back-to-back and laminate to create a durable revision resource.
• Perfect for morning work, independent practice, literacy groups, buddy classes, and ongoing review.

Colour-Coded for Easy Organisation

Every resource in this pack follows the InitiaLit® colour-coding system, making it easy to identify and organise word sets.

To suit different classroom environments and student needs, all resources are provided in:

✔ Black font versions

✔ White font versions

Many teachers find that white text on darker backgrounds improves visibility for some students, while others prefer black text. This flexibility allows you to choose the option that works best for your learners—or even mix and match within your displays.

How We Use It

In our classroom, we have a large Tricky Word Tree display positioned above the television at the front of the room (as shown in the photo on the description page). This central location allows students to quickly and independently locate tricky words when they are writing.

For students who need a little extra support, I use a laser pointer to help them locate specific words on the tree, building their confidence and encouraging independence when writing.

We also display the large tricky word cards in our breakout learning area. Just like the tree display, these cards are covered with the included locks and gradually revealed as new words are introduced throughout the year. This ensures students focus on the words they have learned while providing an additional reference point during small-group instruction and intervention sessions.

Students read the tricky words introduced so far every morning as part of their morning routine, and we regularly use them during buddy sessions with older students, literacy rotations, small-group instruction and independent revision activities. The repeated exposure helps students develop confidence, fluency and automatic recognition of tricky words throughout the year.

Why You'll Love This Resource

✅ Aligned with the InitiaLit® tricky word sequence and colour-coding system

✅ Multiple display options to suit any classroom space

✅ Gradual word release using lock covers to reduce student overwhelm

✅ Supports whole-class, small-group and independent practice

✅ Encourages repeated exposure and automatic word recognition

✅ Easy-to-prep print-and-go formats

✅ Suitable for Prep/Foundation classrooms

Total Pages: 211

This versatile resource will become a year-long classroom staple, helping your students build confidence, fluency and automatic recognition of tricky words while keeping your displays organised, purposeful and engaging.

InitiaLit Alignment The tricky words have been organised in the same order in which they are introduced in the InitiaLit literacy program, as this is the program used in my school.

However, this resource is not affiliated with, sponsored, endorsed or approved by InitiaLit or its publisher. It is an independently created resource that has been aligned to the tricky-word sequence for classroom convenience.