Phonics Screening Check

Phonics Screening Check:

The Phonics Screening Check will take place in June.

The purpose of the Phonics Screening Check is to assess each child's ability to decode certain words and identify pupils who may need additional support. Decoding means sounding out an unfamiliar written word.

During the check, the children will be asked to decode a series of 40 words. 20 of these words will be real words, there will be 20 alien words (also known as nonsense words or psuedo-words). The alien words will be accompanied by an image of an alien to help the children identify them. The reason alien words are included in the check is to ensure children are able to use their decoding skills and do not just rely on their memory of known words. 

The 40 words, which are made up of real and alien words, are divided into two sections. The first section will have a variety of simple word structures with three or four sound words. Section 2 will have more complex word structures of five or six sound words and multi-syllabic words. 

The teacher administering the check with your child will give them a few practice words to read first – including some alien words – so they understand more about what they have to do. We also introduce the children to the format throughout the year so it is not new to them.

https://www.ruthmiskin.com/parentsandcarers/

If you are unsure how to correctly pronounce any of the sounds, please go to www.ruthmiskin.com where you can watch videos to support your understanding of phonics and the scheme we use. 

Phonics Play

www.phonicsplay.co.uk

This is a very popular website for additional practise at home. 

Some of the games are available for free, others require a subscription.

Twinkl Phonics App

This app includes lots of different sections covering phonic sounds, letter formation, high frequency words and games such as buried treasure and matching games.

Alphablocks

These are great 5 minute videos that explain sounds and show segmenting and blending. It allows them to practise sound recognition and blending.

Phonics Books

Revisit pages in your child’s phonics book to practice reading and spelling a good range of words. Don’t forget to look for the high frequency and tricky words!

More websites with phonics games on:

http://www.ictgames.com/literacy.html

http://www.schooljotter.com/showpage.php?id=183569

http://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/ks1/literacy/