Reading Assessment & Home Reading - Year 2
Dear Richmond Primary School Year 2 Families,
You may have noticed some changes recently in how we assess and support reading development in Year 2. These changes are part of a whole-school approach to strengthening literacy outcomes and reflect our ongoing commitment to ensuring every child at Richmond Primary School receives the strongest possible start in reading. Early literacy skills are critical for future learning success, and we continually review our practices to ensure we are using evidence-based approaches that best meet the needs of all students across the school.
As outlined below, we are using DIBELS (Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills) alongside InitiaLit Screening as an important tool to monitor reading development. DIBELS is best understood as a “reading health check” — a quick, research-based way for teachers to identify how students are progressing with foundational literacy skills and to determine whether additional support may be needed. This enables us to respond early, tailor instruction, and support all students to become confident, capable readers.
Why are we using DIBELS?
Learning to read begins with developing strong foundational skills, such as:
recognising letter sounds,
blending sounds to read words,
reading words accurately and smoothly.
DIBELS is a ‘reading health check’ comprised of short assessments designed to monitor the development of early literacy and reading skills in children from Reception through Year 6. These assessments are quick, efficient, and research-based, allowing us to identify students who may need additional support in developing their reading skills. Teachers administer the screeners at the beginning, middle and end of each school year.
How can families help at home?
You can support your child by:
listening to them read the same book more than once,
encouraging them to “have a go” at sounding out words,
continuing to read to your child every day.
Thank you for working in partnership with us as we support your child’s reading journey.
Kind regards,
Jodie Kingham
Principal
