phonics check

I am trying to gather information on the phonics check from schools.  This is not to judge but to try to work out how useful the check had been and look at percentages of pupils 'meeting the expected standard.'

Mnemonics - Resources - TES

Mnemonics - Resources - TES

Easyread

Easyread

Easyread is a website I stumbled upon a few years ago.  I choose 5 children to trial it in school.  They were not children with dyslexia but were children who were having difficulty with reading at the beginning of year 2.  The children began the trial and all children made progress some exceeding expectations.  The following year I repeated this with a small group of year 2 children again.  The results were similar to the previous year.  What was clear from the small samples was that children with real specific difficulties did not make as much progress as the others however all the children involved did make either double or triple the rate of progress over a three month period.  The children access the intervention online and require minimal adult support although it is important to keep an eye on what each child is doing as I had one child who was very good at quickly clicking through the story.  This year I have begun a couple of children and both are again showing signs of making good progress.

Dyslexia should be a top priority says a major new report

SEN Magazine dyslexia-should-be-a-top-priority-education-and-health-issue-says-a-major-new-report.

The crucial aspects are that there is recognition of the importance of both identification and intervention as early as possible.  It also is supporting the continued research into dyslexia.  As dyslexia is a complex lifelong difficulty we need to know as much as possible in order to ensure that dyslexia is not a barrier to success.

Audio books for dyslexic children

Calibre

This is a fantastic website, for a one of payment they will supply children with audio books.  You can even make requests and they will try to find volunteers to read the book your child wants.  It is such a great way to ensure that children are enjoying great books despite their reading difficulties.

Phonic guide for parents - Resources - TES

Phonic guide for parents - Resources - TES
A guide for parents on the teaching of phonics.  Hopefully it will clarify for some parents the expectations that are being placed on children in terms of reading and spelling in school.  Also it will hopefully help parents to recognise and talk to teachers if they feel their child is having difficulty with reading or spelling.

New online dyslexia test

I don't know what this is like or how accurate it is but it is recommended by Nessy and I do like their products.
This is a link to the website: Dyslexia test
A note of caution any assessment or test is only a snapshot of the child at that specific time.  A number of factors could influence the results.  I would also recommend that if the results of this test show potential dyslexia you then seek further testing to get a comprehensive outline of strengths and weaknesses.
I would be interested to know if anyone has tried this and what results they have got.  I will be trying it on my daughter.

oa, igh, ow game board - Resources - TES

oa, igh, ow game board - Resources - TES
This is a game board which I have used with a small group of children to help with phonological awareness.  I say a word with one of the sounds in it.  The children then have to tap or thump the correct sound on their board.  It is fun for the children as it is very non threatening, no one else will notice if they get it wrong as they are too busy looking at their own board.

Interventions

I am really interested to know what intervention takes place within the first few years of primary school.  The biggest difficulty faced  is identification.  Children's development varies considerably, as well as environmental factors and differing preschool experiences.
The new phonics check for year 1 pupils is going to make practitioners more aware of the need to identify pupils early who are having difficulty developing reading skills.

This blog is a work in process with no right or wrong answers instead the aim is to provide as much information as possible about what could work for pupils with literacy difficulties.

Early Intervention

Through this blog I hope to find out and collate ideas about early intervention for children with literacy difficulties. I aim to store and share links to articles as wellas hopefully finding out the kinds of early interventions that take place in school. There are a wide range of interventions used but many are for children once that are within Key Stage 2 (age 7 and over). What I wish to explore is those that are being used for children in Key Stage 1 (5,6 and 7 year olds). I hope that other will be willing to share ideas and engage in discussions about what works and what doesn't work.