As you may have spotted, this week’s Home Learning is to practise making alien words with your child. I’m sure this seems rather odd when many children are still learning to write basic words however the Year One Phonics Screening Check is 50% alien (or Pseudo) words as well as the real words.

Why teach alien words?

Pupils who can read pseudo words should have the skills to decode almost any unfamiliar word. The Government’s evaluation showed that pupils generally enjoyed the pseudo words. Of course, it is important that children understand the difference between real words and pseudo words.

Here are some examples to help you at home.