Measure carefully. Review kindly.

Short, practical guidance for a parent sitting beside a developing reader.

Plan a reading assessment at home

Choose a narrow observation, prepare a calm sample, and know when an informal check should stop.

Prepare the setting, explain the sample, time consistently, and preserve the child’s confidence.

Understand attempted words, confirmed errors, elapsed time, accuracy, and the limits of one number.

Confirm the last word reached and correct every word-level error mark before saving.

Separate one passage observation from official grade placement or diagnosis.

Preserve passage, timing, marks, WCPM, accuracy, and context over time.

Calculate WCPM and oral reading accuracy without sending child data anywhere.

What these guides do not do

They do not diagnose a reading condition, assign an official grade level, or replace instruction and evaluation from qualified educators.