Spelling Shed

Spelling Shed is a teacher-designed spelling platform for pupils, families and schools. It suits classrooms that need structured spelling practice alongside class and homework management. Its strongest case is bringing those routines together, though the free plan keeps activity history for only seven days.

Overview

Spelling Shed combines curriculum-based spelling practice with tools for teachers to manage classes and assign homework. A whole-school curriculum covers ELA spelling standards, including statutory words and spelling rules, giving schools a common framework for practice. Versions adapted for the United Kingdom, United States, Australia and Cambridge International curricula broaden its fit across different school settings.

Key features

Teachers can create unlimited custom lists and search for other lists within the platform. That flexibility helps tailor practice to class needs without giving up a shared curriculum structure. The teacher hub manages student records, teachers and classes, and supports homework assignments, making the product more suited to coordinated classroom use than to occasional solo practice.

Hive Games let pupils practise alongside one another as an alternative to a weekly spelling test. Open Dyslexic font support and three difficulty levels offer ways to accommodate different abilities; phonics instruction and corrective practice are also supported. Full offline play is a practical advantage where connectivity is unreliable, and QR-code scanning can import lists or sign in.

Rostering integrations include ClassLink and Wonde, as well as Clever for Classroom only. EdShed states that it complies with GDPR, COPPA and FERPA, has annual independent security testing, and stores data at a London data centre. Support is available by email at [email protected] and by phone at 888-254-3098 in the USA.

Pricing

The Free plan costs nothing. It includes Tests, Hive games, Challenges and Custom Leagues, each with seven days of history, plus Clever rostering for Classroom only. That is enough to try the main practice formats, but the short history can limit its usefulness for tracking progress over a longer period.

The Spelling Shed iOS app costs $2.99, paid once and is designed for iPad, iPhone and iPad. It is a one-time app purchase rather than a recurring subscription, but it does not replace the broader class-management tools. Premium is custom pricing: it adds printable parent reports for tests and Clever rostering for Classroom only. Schools that need those additions should request a quote before choosing a plan.

Platforms

Spelling Shed is available on Android, iOS and the web. Offline play makes the app more resilient when internet access is unavailable, while the web version supports use beyond mobile devices.

Who it's for

Spelling Shed is best suited to schools and teachers seeking curriculum-led practice, custom lists, homework management and whole-class games in one platform. Its accessibility options and regional curriculum versions help serve varied pupils and school contexts. Families looking only for straightforward individual drills may find the teacher hub and classroom tools unnecessary. EdShed says the platform serves teachers, parents and pupils across 180 countries.

Pros and cons

• Pro: Curriculum coverage plus unlimited custom lists gives teachers both structure and room to tailor spelling practice.
• Pro: Class management, homework and Hive Games support shared school routines rather than isolated drills.
• Pro: Offline play, QR-code list import and three difficulty levels address practical classroom and learner needs.
• Con: Free-plan history lasts only seven days, restricting longer-term review of activity.
• Con: Premium pricing requires a quote, so schools cannot compare its cost upfront.

Alternatives

For a broader comparison, see Spelling Apps.

SpellMe is worth considering for learners who want a free Basic plan with five word lists, ten words per list and more than 300 curated phonics lists; its Advanced plan costs £12 per y. Spelling.Live may suit those who prefer credit-based practice, with 200 free sign-up credits that expire after 90 days without a practice session and a 400-credit pack for £4, paid once. PenPoints is a free Android and iOS option with limits for teachers without a school plan, including one homework exercise per week, 90 SpellStation credits and up to five live class assessments.

Spelling Boost is an Android alternative with a free plan that includes audio dictation tests, custom lists, handwriting input and progress tracking. Spell Up is another freemium option on Android, iOS and the web. Wordshark is a paid alternative with a free trial and support for Android, iOS, macOS, web and Windows. Better Speller may fit individual learners who want an iOS, macOS or Android app: its free trial includes up to 35 words, ten per list, with all features, and its iCloud Sync and Sharing plan costs $2.99, paid once. MySpellings is an Android alternative with a free plan and a one-off Premium unlock at custom pricing.

Verdict

Choose Spelling Shed if your school wants curriculum-led spelling practice tied to teacher-managed classes, homework and collaborative games. The combination of custom lists, offline play and accessibility options is its strongest reason to choose it. Look elsewhere if you need a longer free activity history, upfront Premium pricing or only a simple individual spelling app.