Why diagnostics save time (teach the right thing next)
A quick check shows exactly which skills need practice. Without diagnosis, parents often guess and spend time on things the child already knows. A gentle diagnostic points you to targeted practice, so each minute you spend is effective and confidence-building.
The 20-minute home check (set the mood, make it game-like)
Keep the session short and playful. Choose a quiet time, offer a small reward (sticker or choice time), and explain it is a friendly check: “Let’s see what you already know!” Use a timer for 20 minutes, move quickly between mini-tasks, and celebrate every correct answer.
What to assess: letter sounds, blending, tricky words, digraphs, long vowels
Cover core areas briefly: single-letter sounds (m, s, t), simple blends (tr, st), digraphs (sh, ch, th), common tricky words (the, said, was), and long vowel patterns (a_e, i_e). Each check should take 30–90 seconds so you get a clear snapshot without fatigue.
Simple scoring: Green/Amber/Red (what it means)
Use Green = confident and automatic, Amber = needs practise with prompts, Red = target for focused instruction. Don’t label the child — label the skill. This simple coding helps you choose two priorities for the next four weeks.
Week 22 plan (7 days, 10 minutes/day): assess → target → reassess
A short week of focused checks and small practice: Day 1 assess, Days 2–4 practice chosen targets, Day 5 mini-reassess, Days 6–7 consolidate and celebrate.
Day-by-day (exact)
- Day 1 — 20-minute diagnostic: follow the 20-minute home check and mark Green/Amber/Red.
- Day 2 — Target practice 1 (10 min): practise the first Amber/Red skill with a short game.
- Day 3 — Target practice 2 (10 min): practise the second priority skill.
- Day 4 — Mixed review (10 min): quick mix of known Green items and Amber items.
- Day 5 — Mini reassess (10 min): check the two priority skills again.
- Day 6 — Fun practice (10 min): pick a phonics game that uses the target sounds.
- Day 7 — Reflect & plan (10 min): note progress and set two small practice goals for the next two weeks.
If your child is Amber/Red: what to do first (priority order)
Start with the most common functional skill: 1) single sounds that block blending, 2) blends/digraphs that appear often, 3) tricky words needed for reading fluency, 4) long vowel patterns. Focus on short, daily micro-practice (5 minutes) rather than long sessions.
Troubleshooting (child guesses, refuses, gets upset)
If a child guesses, make the task multi-step: ask them to say the sound, then show a picture or point to a letter. If they refuse or get upset, stop and try a playful activity or return later; reassure them that this is just a friendly check. Keep language positive: “We’re just finding the next fun thing to practise.”
How to track progress without worksheets (notes app method)
Use the Notes app or a simple note with columns: Skill | G/A/R | Example. During the check tap to mark Green/Amber/Red and type one example word. This is searchable and portable — no printing needed.
Done checklist + Week 23 story cards bridge teaser
- I ran a friendly 20-minute diagnostic.
- I chose two priority skills to practise.
- I scheduled short practice for the next two weeks.
Finish with praise and one specific note: “Great — you read that sound clearly.” Week 23 will use story cards to bridge speaking and grammar practice.
Diagnostic list (screenshot-friendly) — quick items
- Single-letter sounds: m, s, t, p, b
- Blends: tr, st, bl, gr
- Digraphs: sh, ch, th
- Tricky/common words: the, said, was, they
- Long vowel patterns: a_e, i_e, o_e
Parent scripts (“Let’s just see what you already know!”)
Short friendly lines to open the check: “Let’s just see what you already know — nothing to worry about.” During: “Can you say this sound for me?” After: “Nice — that helps me pick a tiny next step.”