Pseudo-words
Made-up words, often called alien words, used in phonics teaching and the phonics screening check to test decoding.
- Used in
- All four UK nations (details may differ)
- Topic
- Teaching and learning
Being checked against official sources. This definition is written in our own words; always check the official guidance for your country.
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Related terms
- Phonics screening check (PSC) England
- A short statutory check in Year 1 in England in which each child reads 40 words, including some pseudo-words, to show they can decode using phonics. Children who do not meet the standard retake it in Year 2.
More terms: Teaching and learning
Phonological awareness · Plenary · Project-based learning · Reciprocal reading · Retrieval practice · Rosenshine's principles
More terms starting with P · Education glossary A–Z · Get a TIP for your class
Definitions are written by Classfern in our own words for teachers in the UK and the US. They are short explanations, not legal or official definitions: always check the official guidance for your country, nation or state. Classfern is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government department, inspectorate or exam board named here.