Do you have a child starting school?
Have you heard about the Best Start Assessment?
If so, are you concerned or confused by what is expected of your child?
Well let us clear up some of the confusion for you.
Put your mind to rest.
We can assure you there is no need to be concerned for your child, there is no pass or fail and absolutely no pressure!
The assessment is a statewide run program here in NSW and is used by all public schools in the first few weeks of a child starting school.
The reasoning behind the assessment is to see where a child is at with their numeracy and literacy journey at this point in time.
It is a tool used by the teacher to assess what a child is capable of and the information gathered is then used as a planning tool so the teacher can meet the needs of the children and build on the skills they already have.
The assessment is a 20 minute one on one with the teacher and child where the teacher runs through a list of numeracy and literacy exercises.
Lets unpack some of the list
Literacy
Can they recognise and write their own name?
When a book is read to them can they recall details of the story?
Can they understand how a book works?
Can they recognise simple words?
Do they know any sounds or letters?
Can they add to words that rhyme? For example map, tap, gap
Numeracy
Where are they at with their number concepts?
Can they count and demonstrate 1:1 correspondence?
Can they recognise any written numbers?
They will be asked to start counting from 1 and count as high as they can.
There is no need to be concerned about the assessment. Your child doesn't need to be coached or pressured into getting the concepts right or perfect. It's about where they are at TODAY!
It truly is a tool used by NSW school teachers to set every child up for success and assist them in the planning of their lessons.
If you have any questions or concerns feel free to comment on this blog, or message us.
You can also find more information at The NSW Department of Education http://www.education.nsw.gov.au/
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