School issues/Spelling tests

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Why Weekly Spelling Tests Don’t Work – and Why Immersive Reading is often better

Many schools still use weekly spelling tests based on dictated word lists.

This may seem traditional, but for children with dyslexia or ADHD, it’s a method that may set them up to fail,

Why spelling tests don’t work for many children

• They test isolated words read aloud by the teacher.
• Real life spelling happens in context – in sentences, notes, or stories.
• They rely on phonics recall, which is exactly where many dyslexic/ADHD children struggle.
• • Even when given ‘easier lists,’ the process itself still causes failure.
• • Repeated failure leads to embarrassment, low confidence, and in some cases, children giving up on reading altogether.

What works better: Immersive Reading

• Built into Audible,Microsoft Word, iPads, and other devices.
• • Reads words aloud while highlighting them on screen – so children both see and hear them.
• Lets children read books at their understanding level, not their ‘baby book’ reading age.
• Removes embarrassment: they can use headphones independently without a anyone sitting beside them(TA in school).
• Builds vocabulary naturally – children learn complex words in context (science, animals, space) without even realising. ✅ Independent at home: children can use immersive reading without needing an adult to sit beside them.
• That means much more time spent with books – and it’s a positive alternative to ‘passive screen time.’

Why parents should ask for change •

• • Under the Equality Act, schools must avoid practices that put disabled pupils at a disadvantage.

• • Persisting with dictation-style spelling tests does exactly that.
• • Immersive reading isn’t just a SEND tool – it’s good for all children, and it prepares them for real-life reading and writing.