Year 1 Phonics Screening Check – All that parents need to know!

Understanding the Year 1 Phonics Screening Check in NSW 

As a parent of a Year 1 student in New South Wales (NSW), you might have heard about the Phonics Screening Check and wondered what it entails. This guide will help you understand the purpose of the check, how it is administered, and how you can support your child in preparing for it. 

What is Phonics? 

Phonics is the method of teaching reading that focuses on sounds (phonemes) and their corresponding letters (graphemes). In other words, sound out-blend-sound out.  Using this method, students are using the skill rather than counting on their memory, which will ensure they can read new words that they have not seen before.  

What is the Year 1 Phonics Screening Check? 

The Year 1 Phonics Screening Check in NSW is a short (5-7 minutes) simple assessment conducted in primary schools to evaluate how well children can use phonics skills. The screening check is designed to ensure that children have a solid foundation in phonics, which is crucial for developing strong reading skills. 

When and how? 

The assessment takes 5-7 minutes and is carried out in the usual classroom of the students. The check is done on a one-to-one basis by the classroom teacher.  

The assessment is held in Term 3, Weeks 4–6 (12-30 August 2024) for Year 1 students. 

What Does the Check Involve? 

The Phonics Screening Check consists of 40 words, divided into two sections. The words mix real words and pseudo-words (also known as made-up words). Pseudo-words are included to ensure that children decode words using phonics skills rather than relying on their memory of familiar words. 

During the check, a teacher will sit with each child individually and ask them to read the words aloud. The check typically takes around 5-7 minutes to complete. 

Results 

Results are available immediately and are analysed by the teacher who completed the assessment.  

The teacher maps student’s responses to indicators from the National Literacy Learning Progression. Upon lodging the assessment, the student’s information from the check is available for teachers and schools in PLAN2 (Planning Literacy and Numeracy online platform). Teachers, in turn, share the results with parents.  

Why is the Phonics Screening Check Important? 

The primary goal of the Phonics Screening Check is to identify children who need additional support in their reading development. Early intervention makes a significant difference in a child’s ability to read fluently and confidently. By assessing children in Year 1, teachers can tailor their instruction to meet the needs of each student, providing targeted support where necessary. On another scale, the results direct the department’s plans.  

How Can You Support Your Child for Phonics Screening Check? 

• Reading Together: Regular reading at home can significantly boost your child’s phonics skills. Choose a variety of books that are appropriate for their reading level and enjoy the stories together. Encourage your child to sound out unfamiliar words. Show them how to do it by doing it yourself and let them repeat after you.  Always include reading in your family’s daily routine.  

• Phonics Games: Incorporate fun phonics games into your daily routine. There are a variety of offline and online resources and apps designed to make phonics practice enjoyable. Games that involve matching sounds to letters, blending sounds to form words, and segmenting words into individual sounds can be particularly beneficial. We always prefer hands-on offline games, especially for this young age.  

• Practice Pseudo-Words (made-up words): Since the check includes pseudo-words, practice reading these types of words at home. Create a list of made-up words and ask your child to sound them out. This helps reinforce their phonics skills and prepares them for the format of the screening check. 

• Clarity is key: Stay in regular contact with your child’s teacher to understand their progress and any areas where they might need extra support. Teachers can provide valuable insights and resources to help your child succeed. 

• Confidence: Encourage and praise your child for their efforts and progress in reading. Building confidence is key to helping them develop a love for reading and a positive attitude towards learning. 

Conclusion 

The Year 1 Phonics Screening Check is an important tool for assessing and supporting your child’s reading development. By understanding the purpose of the check and actively participating in your child’s learning journey, you can help them build a strong foundation in phonics and set them on the path to becoming a confident learner. 

Feel free to reach out to our professional tutors in Sydney if you have any questions or concerns about the Phonics Screening Check or their performance in general.  

Together, we can ensure your child receives the support they need to thrive in their reading journey. 

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