🧠 Overview

At Spellings for Me, we highly recommend that teachers use our research-aligned spelling tests — such as the Yellow Spelling Tests or the Phonics and Neural Spelling Tests — for the most effective and evidence-based spelling progression.

However, we also recognise that some teachers and schools have found success with Dolch, SNIP, or Fry word lists in the past.
For this reason, these lists are available under the “Other Tests” section of Spellings for Me.

🪣 Understanding How Dolch, SNIP, and Fry Tests Work

Think of each student’s spelling progress as a bucket of words.

The bucket fills up as students make errors in their Yellow Spelling Tests (or any other test).

These errors automatically become the student’s Learning Words.

When the bucket is full (48 words), there’s no room for additional words to enter — meaning Dolch, SNIP, and Fry tests will be locked.

Once a student’s bucket is emptied or has space, those “Other Test” lists (Dolch, SNIP, Fry) become available again.

⚙️ How to Clear a Student’s Learning Words (Empty the Bucket)

If you wish to clear a student’s current list of Learning Words and free up space for Dolch, SNIP, or Fry lists:

Go to your Teacher Dashboard.

Locate the student’s name.

Click the Actions button beside their profile.

Hover over Administration.

Select “Clear Learning Words.”

🧹 This action will empty the student’s bucket, removing the current 48 Learning Words that were generated through Yellow Tests or any other test type.
Once cleared, the Dolch, SNIP, and Fry lists will automatically unlock for use.

⚠️ Important Considerations

Clearing Learning Words is a manual override and should be done only when appropriate — it resets that student’s active word cycle.

The Dolch, SNIP, and Fry lists are provided for teacher flexibility, not as part of our recommended research-driven pathway.

📘 Our Recommendation

While the Dolch, SNIP, and Fry lists are available for those who wish to use them, the Spellings for Me team strongly recommends continuing with the Yellow Spelling Tests or Phonics and Rules Tests, as these are fully aligned with:

Current research in spelling development

Individualised progression models

Long-term spelling retention outcomes

These evidence-based approaches ensure consistency, accuracy, and the best learning outcomes for every student.

🧩 In Summary

💬 Still Need Help?

If you have any questions about which test type suits your students best, or would like training on the Yellow Test and Differentiation features, please contact us at:
📞 01 535 1661
📧 support@spellingsforme.com