The phonics screening check is carried out in the Summer term of Year 1 and is constructed from 20 real words and 20 ‘pseudo-words’.
The pseudo-words (or fake words) provide the purest assessment of phonic decoding because they will be new to all children. The pseudo-words are identified by a picture prompt of an imaginary creature and the children should be asked to name the type of creature.
This approach makes it clear to children that they are reading unfamiliar words.
The set of flash cards in the link below will help children become familiar with the way in which the Government Test will be presented in the ‘Year 1 Phonic Screening Check’. The sets show how the pseudo words in the check will be illustrated.
Katie Hanley and Paul Venus (Literacy Leaders)