Literacy

There is so much confusion surrounding sight words. Do you have any tips?

Sight words are a special high frequency category of words that students are instructed to recognise automatically. The term ‘sight word’ can mean several different things: high frequency words; phonetically irregular words; or familiar words that require no effort to recall (orthographic lexicon or sight vocabulary). When educators refer to sight words they are usually referring to high frequency words, some of which may be phonetically irregular. When learning high frequency words, instant reVery popular

PLD Screening tools? Which tests do I use?

The PLD screening and tracking tools have been comprehensively updated for 2020. Please click here for more information: https://pld-literacy.org/establishing-a-consistent-screening-and-tracking-process/ The most recent screening tools are available here: https://pld-literacy.org/screening-tools/Very popular

Can I request the 2020 PLD excel tracking sheets, to enhance the school’s implementation of PLD by tracking student performance each term?

Time efficient tracking student development is central to the PLD process. The PLD tracking delivered each term, should assist teachers to determine the range in ability evident within the classroom. PLD advocaVery popular

How well should students be reading at the end of the Foundation school year?

Below you will find a general skill acquisition sequence. Do note that the reading assessment (now openly available to download on the PLD website) is what schools should be utilizing to plan the class reading program and the decodable reading books required. Not all students acquire reading skills at the same pace. Those who have had a history of ear infections, speech and/or language delays or family members who have experienced difficulties with literacy, will often require repeated practiceVery popular

Do you have any tips for using the PLD excel spreadsheets for tracking student skill acquisition?

General Guidelines (for recording results) using the ‘The 2019/2020 Phonic & sight word sequence Placement Test’Very popular

We use a lot of PM readers, is there is a PLD to PM reading level correlation available?

PLD’s decodable reading books have been specifically chosen by Diana Rigg as they align with PLD’s structured synthetic phonics approach (SSP). What does this mean? This blog has been fully updated HERE.Very popular

I want to start the year well. Can you assist with the EARLY YEARS or FOUNDATION testing being recorded on the PLD Excel Tracking Sheets?

The week 7 Term 1 screening for FOUNDATION is found in the Foundation Pre-literacy screen. The results can then be entered into ExcelVery popular

Which standardised assessment does PLD recommend?

When investigating the options to assess single word reading and spelling skills there are many testing options available. The list provides below provides some of the basic tools available to schools that are relatively easy to access, are cost effective and relatively time efficient to administer. Burt Word Reading Test (1981) Alison Gilmore, Cedric Croft and Neil Reid The Burt Word Reading Test provideVery popular

How well should students be spelling at the end of the Foundation school year?

SPELLING: Below is a general acquisition sequence. Note that the spelling assessments (now openly available to download on the PLD website) are what school’s should be utilizing to refine the class spelling program. Be aware that young students require repeated practice and opportunities for consolidation. Only progress to higher levels of spelling ability when there is a high level of ease and accuracy being observed. Make sure that the school’s scope and sequence for the year is realisVery popular

I am marking PLD spelling placement tests and I am not sure when to mark words as correct or incorrect?

toat - should be marked as incorrect. Likewise toats, oats, tost, toas are also marked as iPopular

Do the PLD stages correspond to year levels in primary School?

No. This is not the case. PLD advocates that there is a range in ability within every class. This range in ability will be different for each classroom. PLD advocates that a placement test presented each term will provide information for three levels of ability and the teaching content that is required for that range. This content is then taken from the Phonic Sight Word Sequence book. Students with the national curriculum, aPopular

The PLD decodable reading books are working really well. Are there additional sets?

Decodable readers are really important for establishing early reading. Beginning readers progress more rapidly in their skills when provided with high quality reading material. For this reason, it is this age range that PLD has aimed to cater for with the PLD curated sets of reading books. The book sets have also aimed to provide ample sets of reading books, as there is an issue with many decodable sets, that the decodable reading sets progress too fast through the levels. Hence students may staSome readers

Why is it beneficial to integrate annual end of year standardised testing with the PLD process?

The success of any literacy program, should be supported by end of year standardised screening results. Rather than testing at the beginning and end of each school year, annual end of year screening is a recommended time efficient approach. Following a full year of literacy instruction, the majority of students should increase in their reading and spelling ability by at least 12 months. Step 1: Select a standardized reading and spelling assessment. When investigating time efficient and validSome readers

How many spelling words do you provide?

The PLD word lists are flexible enough to be adapted to target any of the situations below. Keep in mind, that the exact number of WEEKLY spelling list words depends upon whether you are a junior, middle or upper primary class. It also depends whether you are in a school with higher performing students or lower performing students or students with a significant range in ability. It also depends on whether students are progressing well and acquiring and mastering the skills presented,Some readers

How many spelling groups? I have completed the placement test, but how do I create groups?

Before we start, make sure you have requested the PLD excel-based tracking sheets: https://pld-literacy.org/monitoring/ Keep in mind the process below takes me (i.e. Diana Rigg) no more than 5 minutes. IfSome readers

A proportion of students tend to plateau on PM Benchmarks. What do you suggest?

The stagnation at a level or difficulty progressing through the PM Benchmark levels commonly occurs for two reasons. Below are the reasons are identified and also potential solutions are proposed. Area 1: PHONICS, DECODING and WORD ATTACK SKILLS: All students require explicit phonics instruction and reading material that suSome readers

Are the PLD phonic spelling lists available in a digital format or on-line?

Unfortunately we don’t provide the word lists in a digital or online format. The reason being that teacher discretion needs to come into the process of selecting the words. If English is not a first language, teachers may need to select words with the phonic pattern (or patterns) which consist of simSome readers

We are running a 'Reading Workshop' for our parents so they can assist in their child's reading potential.

Tip 1: Recognise that oral language will very soon link to how the students process written language Students who have a large vocabulary and speak with adult like grammar typically progress into reading with much greater ease. Check that your child's speech and language skills are where they should be. Speaking and language skills sheets and videos: https://pld-literacy.org/product/speech-language-development-milestones-5-year-old/ Speech sound development: https://pld-literacy.org/proSome readers

After Stage 3 words on the PLD Early Reading Profile, what are the appropriate methods of tracking reading?

Before I outline the options, keep in mind that by PLD's stage 3: A decoding and word recognition screen is less useful. The Early Reading Profile is a junior primary screen (or a screen for older students still operating at a junior primary level). Students in the junior primary must learn to 'crack the code' and verbalise the print by either reading aloud or silently 'inside their heads'. The ultimate goal of 'cracking the code' is so that comprehension of the content can occur. For some stSome readers

Can I view sample pages of the books in the first reading book sets?

Yes, you can view the cover and two sample pages from each reading book in the set as a PDF download. Go to: https://pld-literacy.org/reading-book-sets-2/ and click on the image of the set you wish to preview. This will bring you to the product page. On the product page, hit the preview button on the product cover image to view sample pages. Notes Please also refer to the table within the First Reading Books(https://pld-literacSome readers

Can you help me understand the developmental milestones my child should be achieving?

We sure can! We have specific information and downloads available for each age range on our website. Choose your age range from the homepage and then select the ‘Downloads’ tabs to view and print any number of our milestone information sheets, or click on the links below: Early Years downloads Foundation downloads Year 1 & 2 downloads(https://pld-liSome readers

Students who are slow to progress through PLD’s stages 1 and 2. Do you have any suggestions?

Undoubtedly, stages 1 and 2 are the more complex stages to teach. Students often require much repetition and consolidation to embed their skills. Once into stage 3, typically students pick up skills faster but the challenge then is different, because word complexity and semantics emerges. Typically students in stages 3, 4, 5 and 6 will be able to read and spell words that they do not comprehend and are unable to apply into extended writing. Students who are slow to progress through stage 1:Some readers

Can you clarify how to sound out (and colour code) these words?

I am thrilled to hear that this is being debated. I worry when schools are not asking these questions, because this usually means they are not doing enough of the auditory segmentation and blending. In terms of the words supplied: falling is made up of the phonemes f-all-i-ng and so the colour coding would be as follows f/all/i/ng jumped is made up of the sounds j-u-m-p-t and so the colour coding would be as follows j/u/m/p/ed needed is made up of the phonemes n-ee-d-e-d and soSome readers

Can you help me understand the developmental milestones my child should be achieving??

Yes, we have specific information and downloads available for each age range on our website. Read more on our Blog: How do you know that your children are reaching their developmental milestones? Alternatively, from the PLD homepage: https://pld-literacy.org/ select your age range and then select the ‘Downloads’ tabs to view and print any number of our milestoSome readers

I need to work on my child's literacy skills (and particularly spelling/writing) at home. Where do I start?

Parents are often aware of when their child requires extra support within the home, to extend their performance in school. While PLD predominately works with teachers, to support their classroom programs, we do often some support the parents. The first step is to complete a spelling placement test which can be found on pages 10-16 in the 2020 Phonic & Sight Word Sequence. This will establish your child's current stage and idenSome readers

FAQ: I work with students with Autism. Do you have any suggestions for training and programs?

Typically we recommend starting with training first. Each course demonstrates and explains the PLD programs. Plus after completing the online courses you will receive a discount promo code to purchase any of the PLD programs that are relevant to the needs of your students. If some of the students are presenting with an inability to read, spell and write, my first suggestion is below. For some Autistic students they can read/recognise some words (sight words) but are unable to spell and write.Some readers

What is the difference between the PLD Decodable Reading Books sets?

At PLD we recognise that a proportion of students require decodable reading material for longer than others. This group of students may have presented at school with speech and/or language delays or have a history of ear infections. Or they may have family members who have experienced literacy and learning difficulties (and hence present with a genetic predisposition to literacy difficulties). For these reasons, three additional reading book sets have been sourced. If students have read all oFew readers

Spelling rules. Where do they occur in PLD’s Structured Synthetic Phonics (SSP) program?

In the PLD process, the spelling rules are taught relative to what concepts are being instructed in-class. Location 1: If there is a spelling rule that is relevant to a phonic concept, it is outlined within the Phonic Sight Word Sequence lists. An example from the stage 4 section has been provided below: Location 2: Also containedFew readers

I have not taught Kindy/Kindergarten for many years. Can you provide me with a quick update?

I am very happy to help as the junior primary years of school have dramatically changed. The following relates to a current application of PLD in Kindergarten (WA QLD, SA & Tas) or Preschool (ACT, NT, NSW & Vic). . If you download the following implementation booklet and then refer to pages 5, 6 and 7. These pages specifically relate to this age group. https://pld-literacy.org/product/pld-whole-school-literacy-strategy/ The current screening that is outlined on page 5 in the above implemeFew readers

Interpreting the results from the PLD 'Early Reading Profile'

For an overview of PLD's screening and tracking process, go here: https://pld-literacy.org/establishing-a-consistent-screening-and-tracking-process/ The above reading profile can be downloaded form the web site: * https://pld-literacy.org/product/early-reading-profile-foundation-year/ * https://pld-literacy.org/product/early-reading-profile-year-1-and-2/ The screen reflects on two areas of eaFew readers

Where to after decodable reading books? What next?

In terms of where to after decodables?Few readers

I am a parent and I have concerns about how PLD is being implemented in my child's class.

Parents may from time to time raise concerns about a school's implementation of PLD. At PLD we are not in a position to deal with these concerns directly. Success in each of PLD’s core areas of Literacy, Movement and Motor and Oral Language, involves three components: Professional Development, Programs, and Screening and Student Tracking. At PLD we consult directly to schools and are not in a position to provide direct parent support to issues raised. This is a matter that parents wiFew readers

I have high (secondary) school students with very low literacy levels. Is PLD relevant?

**The only way forward to maximise functional literacy skills is to go bFew readers

Spelling word colour-coding and choosing the correct sounding-out strategy.

Teachers are having difficulty on the colour-coding and which sounding-out startegy to use. I have given teachers spelling groups here to show you. It is a positive observation that teachers are unsure of what the sound structure in words. Why? It means that they are grappling with the change. Before teachers stand in front of their class and lead the lesson, they have reflected on this element. The research reports the same; that the majority of teachers will struggle with the phonemes anFew readers

Teaching the alphabet: The students with the PLD programs are quickly learning the alphabet sounds, but when are letter names taught?

A synthetic phonics approach to literacy instruction starts with teaching alphabet sounds, phonemic awareness, blending for decoding and segmenting for spelling. In this approach the letter names are not as important as the letter sounds, because it is the letter sounds that allow children to sound out and read words. Once a child has knowledge of the alphabet sounds and is using these to decode simple CVC words, they can then be introduced to letter names. With the introduction of digraphs (eFew readers

Can I request a quote for the decodable reading books?

Foundation/Prep/Pre-Primary/Reception/Transition home reading books: Semester one set? Yes/No Semester two set? Yes/No Home reading books in Year 1? Semester one set? Yes/No Semester two set? Yes/No Home reading books for delayed students in Year 1 and 2? Semester one set? Yes/No Semester two set? Yes/NoFew readers

How does the second revised version of Phonic and Sight Word Sequence compare to previous editions?

The Phonic and Sight Word Sequence Second Revised Edition resource was updated in February 2020. To check how this version differs from your current version: Go to the product page on the PLD website. Click on the 'Preview' button on the book cover to view the revised edition against your current version. Some schools are downloading the current testing whicFew readers

Re-reading vs Continuous reading for fluency, what does the evidence say?

One of the most common questions we receive at PLD is _'Should students focus on a new book each day, or should students re-read the same book several times?’ _This is a great question and one where we will reference the research base to guide our response. Throughout this blog, we will explore what is the evidence-based practice for reading fluency in a Foundation to Year 2 setting. Firstly, what is reading fluency? Reading fluency is the ability to read with speed, accuracy, and expFew readers

What end of Term 2 screening is to be scheduled?

present Subtest 2: Verbalisation of Initial Phonemes in the Early Years Pre-Literacy Screen.Few readers

I have 5 levels in my Year 1 class. Do you have any suggestions?

Few readers

Early Reading Profiles and placing results onto tracking sheets

The PLD Early Reading Profiles can be accessed here to determine reading accuracy levels and also the automaticity level for reading the lists of increasingly complex words. Here is the screen for Early Reading Profile – Foundation Here is the screen for Early Reading Profile of Year 1 & 2 Within the PLFew readers

How do I buy and access the PLD downloadable desk strips?

To purchase PLD's desk strips please go to: https://pld-literacy.org/phonic-desk-strips-for-bushfire-relief/ In Term 1, 100% of the proceeds of every sale will go to bushfire relief through the Australian Red Cross. To purchase PLD's desk strips please go to: https://pld-literacy.org/phonic-desk-strips-for-bushfire-relief/ and select the desk strips you wish to purchase. Click on the 'READ MORE' button to view the product. Once you have the product open, click on 'Add to cart'. YouFew readers

The issue of reversals & capitals in spelling tests.

Letter reversals are a common occurrence in the first year of learning to spell and write. Within the 'Foundation' school year a proportion of letters will be reversed. For some students early in Year 1 the reversing of a proportion of letters may still continue. So what to do when they occur within a spelling test? I suggest that teachers marking the spelling samples, view the letter reversals as a phase that yoFew readers

I have a student who still struggles with onset and rime. How can I help?

While other students also would have initially experienced the same difficulty, due to your teaching the skill has developed. Now you are left with just one student. This can happen in every class, that a very complicated profile can appear. I suggest the following: Make sure that the Term 2 skill (the isolation and verbalisation of initial sounds) is solid. If this skill is 'wobbly' and difficult, even though the student may have scored 60/80 or 100% then here is the issue. I always lookFew readers

In Stage 1, should we place less emphasis on groups of words with initial and final blends?

Over recent years PLD has aimed as much as possible to be aligned with SSP - structured synthetic phonics, because it is linked to the most current evidence base and is aligned to produce superior results. SSP is linked to phonemes or individual sounds. The blends (eg st, cr, bl, mp, nt etc) do not exist in SSP but rather are linked to traditional phonics. In traditional phonics students complete repeated practice with st, then br/fr/sl/sm etc. According to SSP we should present students withFew readers

What happens when the correct spelling of test words does not transfer to writing?

Students often write words correctly in spelling tests but struggle when applying their new knowledge to written work. Why? As a general rule, when transferring spelling into writing, students require the activation of many more skills. explained simply, single word spelling is quite a simple cognitive task in comparison to extended writing tasks. Dictation tasks encourage the development of strong listening and auditory memory skills which are important for learning and literacy. DictationFew readers

Do we need to use the updated tracking sheets? Why shouldn't we re-use last years?

As a general rule, at PLD we recommend that you always update your tracking sheets annually. For this reason, each year you will automatically be sent an updated version. The 2020 tracking sheets link perfectly with the updated 2020 Whole School Literacy Plan This year's sheets also have videos explaining their use and their effective implementation, find then HERE(https://pld-literacy.org/establishing-a-consistent-sFew readers

What is the purpose of the 'Early Literacy Screening Tool' and how does it differ to other screens found in PLD's WSLP?

The Early Literacy Screening Tool, located in the 'Pre-Literacy and Early Literacy Screens' resource, is a screen that was used extensively within the PLD clinic. It is useful when profiling individual students and also particularly useful when seeking a detailed profile when students are not progressing at the rate of their peers. The single word reading section is similar to the Early Reading Profile – Year 1 and 2(https://pld-Few readers

We have used the previous pre-literacy screen and I'm just curious why the screen has been updated?

We have used the previous pre-literacy screen and I'm just curious why the screen has been updated? Yes, there have been updates to the Early Literacy Screening Tool, which is linked to the whole school literacy strategy booklet (downlowd it HERE). The screen presents very short 1-minute sub-tests. For the majority of the class, the 1-minute subtestFew readers

What happens when there are several students who are operating at stages 3 or 4 in a Year 2 class?

Yes, select Stage 3 words ideally and if necessary over time Stage 4 words, however PLD also recommends the following. Look for non-basic vocabulary when selecting the words; e.g. ge in Stage 3: hinge, singe, tinge, cringe, plunge, rage (but ignoring all other low vocabulary words int he list) and using dg also from Stage 3; widget, midget, ledger. gadget, fidget, budget (even though the student can likely spell these words). Hence words are selected not for their phonic concepts, but on theFew readers

Why does PLD advocate for three ability groups instead of four or five?

The Phonic Sight Word Sequence Placement Test presented each term requires the students to be placed into ability groups (and hence, targeted teaching groups). Teachers frequently ask, why does PLD advocate for only 3 groups, and not 5 or 6? On the basis of the placement tests, students are then placed onto tracking sheets;Few readers

Phonic and Sight Word Sequence Charts - Your frequently asked questions

We spent some time looking at this when we did the latest update for the Phonic Sight Word Sequence. In short, it does depend on dialect. We based our choice on what we found most common Australian pronunciation. The words with the /l/ final are tricky as the /l/ tends to extend the vowel a little, but in saying that, they are shorter than in room orFew readers

How is the end of Term 2 screening plotted onto the PLD tracking sheets?

: Request the tracking sheets HERE. Step 2: Set up the tracking sheets, using instructions outlined HERE. Step 3: Individual teachers need to watFew readers

How do schools introduce PLD's whole school screening in Term 3 (or within semester 2)?

Register for the PLD tracking sheets: https://pld-literacy.org/plds-tracking-sheets/ View the video at the top of the page, to set up the sheets for each class on a different tab. https://pld-literacy.org/establishing-a-consistent-screening-and-tracking-process/ All teaching staff will need to view from 4:45 to explain the 3 functions that teachers will need to underFew readers

Help! Students decoding and spelling at different levels?

Typically from mid Year 1 (and sometimes earlier) students will start to extend their reading but their spelling lags. Hence, the students can read more advanced phonic concepts than they are able to apply to their spelling. This is the slightly more frustratingFew readers

I am familiar with THRASS. Does PLD have similar charts?

Many years ago I was also THRASS trainined. Yes, THRASS has its benefits, but it is not identified as an evidence-based program. Here is the list compiled by the SPELD's around Australia: https://uldforparents.com/further-reading/appendix-4-examples-of-high-quality-evidence-based-phonics-programs/ When schools have invested (like yours) in a whole school approach, it is not possible to select your own preference. Whole school programs and processes have been researched, invested in and establiFew readers

There is so much confusion surrounding sight words. Do you have any tips?

PLD Screening tools? Which tests do I use?

Can I request the 2020 PLD excel tracking sheets, to enhance the school’s implementation of PLD by tracking student performance each term?

How well should students be reading at the end of the Foundation school year?

Do you have any tips for using the PLD excel spreadsheets for tracking student skill acquisition?

We use a lot of PM readers, is there is a PLD to PM reading level correlation available?

I want to start the year well. Can you assist with the EARLY YEARS or FOUNDATION testing being recorded on the PLD Excel Tracking Sheets?

Which standardised assessment does PLD recommend?

How well should students be spelling at the end of the Foundation school year?

I am marking PLD spelling placement tests and I am not sure when to mark words as correct or incorrect?

Do the PLD stages correspond to year levels in primary School?

The PLD decodable reading books are working really well. Are there additional sets?

Why is it beneficial to integrate annual end of year standardised testing with the PLD process?

How many spelling words do you provide?

How many spelling groups? I have completed the placement test, but how do I create groups?

A proportion of students tend to plateau on PM Benchmarks. What do you suggest?

Are the PLD phonic spelling lists available in a digital format or on-line?

We are running a 'Reading Workshop' for our parents so they can assist in their child's reading potential.

After Stage 3 words on the PLD Early Reading Profile, what are the appropriate methods of tracking reading?

Can I view sample pages of the books in the first reading book sets?

Can you help me understand the developmental milestones my child should be achieving?

How does PLD focus on vocabulary within their product offering?

When do you start decodable reading books? How do you decide upon the levels?

How do I know if I am choosing the correct resources for my Year 1 class?

What do we do when students are moving beyond stage 6 of the PLD programs?

Students who are slow to progress through PLD’s stages 1 and 2. Do you have any suggestions?

Can you clarify how to sound out (and colour code) these words?

Can you help me understand the developmental milestones my child should be achieving??

I need to work on my child's literacy skills (and particularly spelling/writing) at home. Where do I start?

FAQ: I work with students with Autism. Do you have any suggestions for training and programs?

What is the difference between the PLD Decodable Reading Books sets?

Spelling rules. Where do they occur in PLD’s Structured Synthetic Phonics (SSP) program?

I have not taught Kindy/Kindergarten for many years. Can you provide me with a quick update?

Interpreting the results from the PLD 'Early Reading Profile'

Where to after decodable reading books? What next?

I am a parent and I have concerns about how PLD is being implemented in my child's class.

I have high (secondary) school students with very low literacy levels. Is PLD relevant?

Spelling word colour-coding and choosing the correct sounding-out strategy.

Teaching the alphabet: The students with the PLD programs are quickly learning the alphabet sounds, but when are letter names taught?

Can I request a quote for the decodable reading books?

How does the second revised version of Phonic and Sight Word Sequence compare to previous editions?

Re-reading vs Continuous reading for fluency, what does the evidence say?

What end of Term 2 screening is to be scheduled?

I have 5 levels in my Year 1 class. Do you have any suggestions?

Early Reading Profiles and placing results onto tracking sheets

How do I buy and access the PLD downloadable desk strips?

The issue of reversals & capitals in spelling tests.

I have a student who still struggles with onset and rime. How can I help?

In Stage 1, should we place less emphasis on groups of words with initial and final blends?

What happens when the correct spelling of test words does not transfer to writing?

Do we need to use the updated tracking sheets? Why shouldn't we re-use last years?

What is the purpose of the 'Early Literacy Screening Tool' and how does it differ to other screens found in PLD's WSLP?

We have used the previous pre-literacy screen and I'm just curious why the screen has been updated?

What happens when there are several students who are operating at stages 3 or 4 in a Year 2 class?

Why does PLD advocate for three ability groups instead of four or five?

Phonic and Sight Word Sequence Charts - Your frequently asked questions

How is the end of Term 2 screening plotted onto the PLD tracking sheets?

How do schools introduce PLD's whole school screening in Term 3 (or within semester 2)?

Help! Students decoding and spelling at different levels?

I am familiar with THRASS. Does PLD have similar charts?