Letters and Sounds Assessments

Do you hate doing one-on-one assessments like I do?  I mean, I love being with just that one kid and seeing EXACTLY what he or she can do, but let's be honest--the other 25 kids running around make it a headache.  I made this kit, because I wanted the testing process to be simple, effective and quick.  I wanted to look at a piece of paper and be able to see very clearly which students did and did not understand a concept.  I started with letters and sounds.  This seems to be the very first concept that we teach and test in Kindergarten.  I included flash cards, Class Tracking Sheet, Student Tracking Sheet, and awards for each concept.  All you need to do is make copies, and start assessing!

I tried my best to make the Student Tracking Sheet simple, but comprehensive at the same time.  I like stickers, so I will use stickers on my sheet.  However, you could totally put x's or checkmarks in the boxes too.  What might be even more fun is to have the students color in the box next to the letter that has been passed off.  There are a few possibilities here that will fit any teaching style.

One thing I love to do is recognize hard work.  Two years ago I started giving my students awards when they passed off their letters and sounds.  The awards were small, simple and cute.  The students LOVED them.  Every Friday I would call out some names, pass out some awards, and we would cheer those kids on with all we had.  It didn't hurt that a free pick from the treasure box accompanied those awards!  I found that my students wanted that little slip of paper that deemed them a master of sounds, and they were willing to work for it.  I am not a fan of giving kids an award "just because" or so they don't feel "left out".  I believe we need to do a better job of teaching work ethic.  Life isn't fair, and it never will be, but you can always work your way to where you want to be.  I think this is a great starting point for teaching that concept.  My students loved cheering each other on, and they loved being the center of attention for a minute or two when they were being acknowledged.

You can find the Letter and Sound Assessment Kit HERE.

Teach a kid, give someone a hug, and have a wonderful day!
~Leslee