We can better identify students at risk for reading difficulties as early as Kindergarten by screening both word reading and spelling skills.
Why it matters
For kids at risk of dyslexia, the earlier we can start evidence-based reading interventions, the better. Children with dyslexia have difficulties with word-reading and spelling, so it makes sense to screen both.
Practical takeaway
Add a spelling screener to existing word reading tests when screening Kindergarten students. It doesn’t take much extra time, but improves the accuracy of identifying at-risk students early, so we can get them the help they need.
Go deeper
Free check
Is your Kindy kid really reading? Find out with our 7 free mini-stories
Read more
Learning to read: what works, and why
For students with spelling difficulties, where should we start?
This article also appears in a recent issue of Banter Booster, our weekly round up of the best speech pathology ideas and practice tips for busy speech pathologists, speech pathology students and others.
Sign up to receive Banter Booster in your inbox each week:
Hi there, I’m David Kinnane.
Principal Speech Pathologist, Banter Speech & Language
Our talented team of certified practising speech pathologists provide unhurried, personalised and evidence-based speech pathology care to children and adults in the Inner West of Sydney and beyond, both in our clinic and via telehealth.
Leave a Reply