Strong SPaG (Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar) skills are essential for KS2 SATs success. Not only do they help children prepare for formal exams but they also underpin reading, writing and comprehension across the curriculum. In this blog, we’ll explore practical SATs English revision tips and classroom-friendly strategies to build confidence in spelling, grammar and comprehension.
Understanding SPaG
SPaG stands for Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar. It includes a wide range of skills, from accurate spelling and sentence construction to the correct use of commas, apostrophes, verb tenses and word classes. These elements work together to create clear, effective written communication.
In KS2, pupils are expected to demonstrate secure understanding of both basic and more advanced SPaG concepts. Developing these skills early and revisiting them regularly helps children apply them confidently in both tests and everyday writing.
The Importance of SPaG in KS2 SATs
SPaG plays a significant role in KS2 SATs. Pupils are assessed through a dedicated Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar test, and SPaG knowledge is also reflected in writing outcomes across English lessons.
Strong SPaG skills support:
- Clearer, more structured writing
- Improved reading comprehension
- Greater accuracy and confidence across the curriculum
- Higher overall attainment in English
By embedding SPaG revision into daily practice, teachers can help pupils approach SATs with a solid foundation rather than relying on last-minute revision.
Spelling Strategies for SATs Success
Consistent Practice
When it comes to spelling, little and often is key. Short, regular sessions are far more effective than cramming. Daily spelling starters, quick-fire quizzes and retrieval practice help embed spelling patterns, rules and tricky words.
Ideas for consistent spelling practice include:
- Five-minute spelling warm-ups
- Weekly focus on statutory word lists
- Revisiting common errors identified in writing
This approach builds automaticity and reduces cognitive load during tests.
Using Mnemonics to Support Memory
Mnemonics are a powerful tool for remembering tricky spellings. By linking words to memorable phrases or images, pupils are more likely to recall correct spellings under pressure.
A classic example is:
because → big elephants can always understand small elephants
Encourage pupils to create their own mnemonics, which adds an element of creativity and ownership to spelling revision.
Engaging Spelling Games
Spelling revision doesn’t need to feel repetitive. Turning practice into a game can significantly boost motivation and engagement, especially for reluctant learners.
Popular spelling games include:
- Word sorting activities
- Spelling bingo
- Look–cover–write–check challenges
- Interactive whiteboard games
These playful strategies help pupils practise spelling strategies while building confidence in a low-pressure way.
Developing Strong Comprehension Skills
The ability to develop comprehension skills is important, so that children are ready for exams. Here are some suggestions to support the development of strong comprehension skills:
Reading Comprehension Tips
Reading comprehension is central to KS2 English SATs. Strong readers actively engage with texts before, during and after reading. Encourage pupils to use strategies such as:
- Predicting what might happen next
- Asking questions about characters, events or language
- Summarising key points after each section
These reading comprehension tips help pupils process information more deeply and prepare them for a range of question types.
Identifying Main Ideas
Many SATs questions focus on identifying key information. Help pupils locate topic sentences, headings and supporting details within paragraphs.
Practical strategies include:
- Highlighting or colour-coding key information
- Annotating texts
- Practising skimming and scanning
These techniques support pupils in managing longer texts more effectively during timed assessments.
Making Inferences
Inference is often one of the most challenging areas for pupils. It involves reading between the lines and using clues from the text to draw conclusions.
Use guided questions such as:
- What does this tell us about the character?
- How is the character feeling and why?
- What clues has the author given us?
Regular exposure to inference questions builds confidence and improves accuracy.
Critical Thinking Exercises
Critical thinking exercises encourage pupils to explain, justify and evaluate their ideas—skills that are vital for both reading comprehension and writing tasks.
Try activities such as:
- Justifying answers using evidence from the text
- Comparing two texts or characters
- Explaining why an author has chosen specific language
These approaches deepen understanding and support higher-level SATs responses.
Improving English Language Skills
Being able to improve English language skills not only sets pupils up for assessment in education, but it helps support the way they communicate with the people around them. Some tips to improve English language skills include:
Grammar Exercises
Effective grammar revision focuses on the areas most likely to appear in KS2 SATs. These include:
- Verb tenses
- Subject-verb agreement
- Expanded noun phrases
- Fronted adverbials
Using sentence-building cards, modelled examples and short targeted activities can help pupils understand how grammar choices affect meaning and clarity.
Practical Punctuation Practice
Punctuation errors are common in SATs, but they can often be reduced through focused practice. Prioritise the most frequent problem areas, such as:
- Commas in lists
- Apostrophes for possession and contraction
- Speech punctuation
Short, explicit mini-lessons followed by immediate application in writing tasks are particularly effective. You may wish to explore resources to support grammar and punctuation, as these can be useful for supporting individual and group learning.
Incorporating Technology into SPaG Revision
Technology plays a major role in how we learn and communicate, and it can support the development of SPaG skills. Here are a few ways to use technology to support learning for Spelling and Grammar:
Online Resources
Digital tools can make SPaG revision more interactive and engaging. Online quizzes, videos and interactive tasks provide instant feedback and help reinforce learning in a different format.
Educational Apps
Educational apps allow pupils to practise spelling strategies, grammar exercises and comprehension skills independently. These are especially useful for homework, intervention groups or revision stations in the classroom.
Creating an Effective Revision Schedule
Planning how you are going to tackle an exam can play a big part in achieving your goals, which is why encouraging children to plan a revision schedule can be of great benefit. Some ideas to get ready ahead of an exam are:
Setting Clear Goals
Clear, achievable targets help pupils feel motivated and focused. Examples include:
- Learning 10 tricky spellings per week
- Focusing on one grammar objective per session
- Completing one comprehension activity daily
Balancing Study Time
Balance SPaG revision with reading and writing activities to keep learning varied and manageable. A mix of activities helps pupils see how spelling, grammar and comprehension work together in real contexts.
Final Tips for SATs Success
Here are our final tips to get you and your pupils preapred for SATs success:
Practise Under Exam Conditions
Completing practice papers in timed conditions helps pupils become familiar with the SATs format and expectations. This reduces anxiety and improves time management.
Managing Test Anxiety
Reassure pupils that SATs are just one way of demonstrating their learning. Encourage calm routines, positive self-talk and regular movement breaks to support wellbeing.
Look at resources to support KS2 SATs revision
SPaG, reading and English resources are designed to make revision practical, engaging and effective. Explore the following SPaG and KS2 SATs resources to build confidence in learning:
These resources help bring SPaG revision to life and support teachers in meeting the needs of all learners.
