Year 1 New Year 2026 Wordsearch

Build early reading, spelling and vocabulary skills with this Year 1 New Year Themed Wordsearch, a carefully structured literacy activity designed specifically for KS1 learners. This Year 1 wordsearch resource supports children as they apply their phonics knowledge to locate and read words linked to the New Year. All words included are phonetically decodable using Phase 2–5 phonics, making this an ideal activity for phonics lessons, guided reading sessions and independent literacy work. The wordsearch uses a child-friendly grid with a limited number of rows and columns, helping pupils stay focused and successful. Words appear horizontally and vertically only, and always in a forward direction, reducing cognitive overload while still providing an appropriate challenge. To extend learning beyond word recognition, children are encouraged to choose a word they have found and write it three times, reinforcing spelling accuracy, letter formation and transcription skills. This New Year literacy activity for Year 1 is perfect for: Phonics and English lessons Morning work or early finisher tasks Homework or home learning packs Intervention and consolidation sessions Seasonal learning during the spring term Key Learning Benefits Reinforces phonics and decoding skills Develops spelling accuracy Expands vocabulary in a meaningful context Supports handwriting and fine motor skills Encourages careful scanning and visual tracking Aligned with KS1 National Curriculum expectations, this low-prep resource is easy to use and highly effective. An answer sheet is included to support assessment or self-checking. Ideal for Year 1 classrooms, small groups and home educators, this New Year Wordsearch offers purposeful literacy practice in a fun and engaging format.