Common Exception Words Set 2 Handwriting Workbook – Foundation
Free printable Foundation handwriting resource
Common exception words Set 2 develops recognition and handwriting through 15 words used for people, possession, place and past events. Pupils discuss was, were, are, you, your, said, says, they, there, where, my, by, one, once and some before writing.
Preview what is inside
1 of 3
Use the arrows or dots to see the front cover, one glossary page and one handwriting sheet. The two inside-page previews are watermarked; download the PDF for clean printable pages.
If pupils need to revisit individual letter movements, begin with Alphabet Letter Formation Worksheets A-Z. Compare the spelling discussion with Phonics Tricky Words Poster, then extend recognition and handwriting through Fry Sight Words 1-10 Handwriting Workbook.
About this Common exception words Set 2
This set creates useful contrasts: was and were, said and says, you and your, and there and where. One and once also allow pupils to notice a shared spelling beginning while discussing different meanings.
The three glossary pages keep these distinctions visible. Each corresponding practice sheet groups five words for repeated tracing and independent copying.
What is included?
- 15 words: was, were, are, you, your, said, says, they, there, where, my, by, one, once, some.
- 3 picture-glossary pages with meanings and example sentences.
- 3 handwriting sheets using grey models, dotted letters and independent copying space.
- 10 PDF pages in total: front cover, instructions, glossary, handwriting sheets and two terms pages.
How to use this Common exception words Set 2
Introduce each group through its glossary sentences. Act out there and where with a classroom object, and compare said with says in past and present examples. Model one word slowly before pupils follow the three-stage writing strip.
Return to one and once separately, asking children to use each word orally before writing so spelling practice remains connected to meaning.
Meanings in the Common exception words Set 2 glossary
was
Meaning: The past form of is.
Example: The dog was wet.
were
Meaning: The past form of are.
Example: We were at home.
are
Meaning: Tells what people or things are or are doing.
Example: They are ready.
you
Meaning: Refers to the person being spoken to.
Example: You can sit here.
your
Meaning: Means belonging to the person being spoken to.
Example: This is your book.
said
Meaning: Means spoke some words.
Example: Mum said hello.
says
Meaning: Means speaks or reads some words.
Example: The sign says stop.
they
Meaning: Refers to two or more people or things.
Example: They play together.
there
Meaning: Means in or at that place.
Example: Put the bag there.
where
Meaning: Asks about a place or position.
Example: Where is my hat?
my
Meaning: Means belonging to the speaker.
Example: This is my pencil.
by
Meaning: Can mean near or beside.
Example: Sit by me.
one
Meaning: The number that comes before two.
Example: One comes before two.
once
Meaning: Means one time.
Example: I went there once.
some
Meaning: An amount or number, but not all.
Example: I ate some grapes.
Teaching and follow-up ideas
- Change a sentence from was to were and discuss what else changes.
- Ask and answer a where question using there in the response.
- Sort you, your, they and my by the job each word does.
- Tell a one-event story that begins Once… .
Support and challenge
Keep paired words on display and teach one contrast at a time. Pupils may complete a single five-word sheet per session.
For challenge, write two related sentences using said and says or was and were, maintaining accurate letter size.
Where this fits in learning
Set 2 follows the short structural words in Set 1 and adds language for ownership, location and reported speech. Set 3 moves into home, relationships and action words.
Use sentence meaning to distinguish there and where, and identify the regular and exceptional parts of other spellings rather than relying on visual guessing. See the Department for Education reading framework.
Resource licence
Free for personal, homeschool or single-classroom use under the terms included in the PDF. Resale, redistribution and uploading the file to another website are not permitted.
Questions about this workbook
Which words are in common exception words Set 2?
was, were, are, you, your, said, says, they, there, where, my, by, one, once, some.
What is included in the PDF?
The PDF has 10 pages: a cover, instructions, 3 picture-glossary pages, 3 handwriting practice pages and two terms pages.
How does the handwriting activity work?
Pupils trace grey models, follow dotted letters and then copy each word independently on Foundation writing guides.
Should pupils memorise each word as a whole shape?
No. Use known phonics wherever it applies and explicitly explain the less predictable part of each spelling.
Can I print one practice page at a time?
Yes. Each handwriting page can be printed and taught separately to match current learning and writing stamina.
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