Why Regular Phonics Assessments Matter
Assessments allow you to evaluate a student’s ability to understand and apply phonics principles in both reading and spelling. By identifying gaps early, you can provide focused support to ensure students build the foundational skills needed for reading fluency and comprehension.
How to Conduct Phonics Assessments
Use Existing Programme Tools
Many phonics programmes come with built-in assessments. Use these tools to evaluate both reading and spelling. Ensure the test includes:
Reading phonics patterns in isolation (e.g., blending sounds).
Applying phonics in real words.
Spelling words that use taught patterns.
Tailor to Student Needs
Begin with simple phonics patterns and progress to more complex ones. For students who are struggling, assess their knowledge of earlier phonics stages to identify where they need support.
Test using both isolated sounds and full words to see how well students can apply their knowledge.
Use Visual and Practical Aids
Provide letter tiles or phonics cards for students who benefit from kinaesthetic learning.
Incorporate visual aids to ensure clarity, especially for younger students.
Observe Application in Context
Beyond formal assessments, observe students during reading and writing activities to see how well they apply phonics in real-world scenarios.
Frequency of Testing
Conduct semi-regular assessments until Year 4 to ensure students have mastered core phonics skills. After Year 4, assess those still struggling and refer them to the school SENCo if necessary, but it is still worth keeping tabs on their phonics level.
Recommended Tools and Resources
Use assessments provided with your phonics programme (e.g., Letters and Sounds or Read Write Inc.).
Explore free downloadable assessments such as this one.
Incorporate spelling tests aligned with phonics patterns to evaluate word application skills.