ELG: Word Reading
Criteria for the Word Reading ELG
As set out in the early years foundation stage statutory framework, children at the expected level of development for the Word Reading ELG will:
- say a sound for each letter in the alphabet and at least 10 digraphs
- read words consistent with their phonic knowledge by sound-blending
- read aloud simple sentences and books that are consistent with their phonic knowledge, including some common exception words
Key messages
When making judgements on the Word Reading ELG, remember a child at the expected standard will:
- respond with one correct sound for each letter of the alphabet
- respond with one correct sound for 10 digraphs
- read (decode) single-syllable words that are consistent with their current phonic knowledge by blending the sounds into a word
- read words containing the taught grapheme-phoneme correspondences
- read some common exception words, often noting the unusual correspondence between letter and sound and where these occur in the word
- read aloud simple texts that are consistent with current phonic knowledge
This video illustrates examples of assessment practice. While it features real children in real school settings, their actual developmental levels may differ from what is shown, and some scenes include acting for demonstration purposes.
Case studies
Arjun is working at the expected standard
Arjun can correctly respond with the correct sound for each letter of the alphabet. He can quickly identify over 10 digraphs. He can read many words in isolation, including ‘splashes’, ‘trains’, ‘growl’ and ‘balloon’. This shows that he can blend effectively using the sounds he knows. Arjun applies this knowledge successfully to his reading and demonstrates increasing fluency. He is reading books matched to his phonics level. He reads almost every word accurately, pointing to each word as he follows the text. He recognises the common exception words he has been taught automatically. With minimal adult support, he reads confidently and fluently. Therefore, Arjun is assessed as working at the expected level.
Chloe is working at the expected standard
Chloe responds quickly and accurately with the correct phoneme (sound) when shown any letter of the alphabet. She can identify more than ten digraphs. She can use these to read simple words such as ‘morning’, ‘sport’, ‘spoon’ and ‘crowds’. Occasionally, Chloe needs a prompt to remember that she can use her blending skills when she encounters an unfamiliar word. She has knowledge of some common exception words, including ‘the’, ‘I’, ‘no’ and ‘you’. Chloe reads decodable books that match her phonic knowledge. She reads each word with a slight pause in between, often blending aloud when she sees a word for the first time but blending in her head when reminded. Therefore, she is assessed as working at the expected level.
Sienna is working at an emerging standard
Sienna can respond with one correct sound for over 20 letters of the alphabet and can read 5 digraphs – she does this slowly but is accurate. Sienna is beginning to blend known sounds into consonant sound, vowel sound, consonant sound (CVC) words independently. She struggles to read common exception words. As Sienna has not met any of the three criteria for the Word Reading ELG, a best‑fit judgement places her at an emerging level.