Year 1 Phonics Check

[Royaldada]

Sorry if this a repeat of what has been said about this topic on the other threads but I just want to check if the phonics check should be part of the child's normal literacy/reading lesson or is it actual test which needs to be revised for

The reason why I ask this is Year 1DD has brought home a phonics book every Friday since the beginning of term which has all the phonics she has been taught the previous week and then we have (i.e parent/carer) has to also go through them with their child and sign it off to say that the child can sound the phonic and blend it within the rest of the word

It's a real test, it's a national thing. I wouldn't stress about it, it's just to see if they can blend sounds and recognise nonsense words. I had an opportunity with my eldest to see the teacher and discuss Dd1 results. DD 2 is doing hers soon too.

It's a screening test, and so no it shouldn't be revised for.

If your child does not do well, then they should receive extra support (there really should be no surprises to competent teachers on who those pupils might be).

Attempting to boost a child ahead of a screening is very counter-productive, as they should be assessed on what they really do 'get' not on how well they respond to cramming.

It's a screening check not a test. It's purpose is to identify those children who need support to prevent them struggling in the future

It's not a test - it's a guide to where your Child is - do they need more? Can they move on? Are there a few missing?

It's not pass or fail

There's a good website called "phonics play" if you want to mix up the practising, we play Bob and Obb. Obviously not compulsory but my dd leaps at the chance of anysort of homework

It's just a measure of where they at, if they fail they retake at year 2.

They don't fail -

It IS pass or fail. Children who get 32 or over out of 40 pass. Those that fall below have to have extra phonics teaching in year 2. Essentially it is a test to see if the school are teaching phonics inline with the government rules.

Teachers don't know what the expected score will be.

If you go to www.flywheelapps.com there is an app which has all the previous tests and reads out the correct pronunciation.
It costs £1.49 on iPhone and my DD really enjoyed practicing with it.

Honestly, really don't bother spending any money on practicing for this test. It isn't worth it.

If you think there are gaps in your child's phonics knowledge then you'd be better off spending time and/or money filling those than practicing for the check.

There are a lot if people out there making money from parents and teachers fears

It's a pretty easy moneymaker, but doesn't really help with the hysteria, does it?