How can we tell if a child in 4-year-old kindergarten is likely to have difficulty learning to read upon starting school?
Research shows that a child’s skill in phonemic awareness upon starting school is crucial for their success in learning to read. Please refer to the following link for more information about the importance of early phonemic awareness in learning to read: https://www.fivefromfive.org.au/phonemic-awareness/
Thus, screening for phonemic awareness in Term 4 of 4-year-old-kindergarten can identify children who may be at risk of having difficulties learning to read in Prep.
Screening for early literacy skills in preschool (Term 4) involves administration of a language / communication checklist (which the teacher completes), and a screener completed with the child, which takes around 15 minutes.
The screener assesses for knowledge of syllables, initial sounds in words, and letter names and sounds.
Please note: the screening tool used is suitable for children aged 4 years 6 months and older. It can be used with children for whom English is an additional language.
Screening is likely to be suitable for children who display the following difficulties when compared with their peers:
- Recognising letters
- Expressive language skills (e.g. trouble getting their message across using words)
- Following instructions; understanding language
- Concentrating during verbal instruction
- Recalling nursery rhymes, or reciting the alphabet
- Understanding and listening to simple story books
- Holding books the right way, or identifying the front of a book.
Please note: It is important to consult a speech pathologist when there are concerns about a child’s receptive (understanding) or expressive (speaking) language development.
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