I found a free online reading competency test for 2nd graders. My children are in first grade and kindergarten.
On a whim I set each of them on my lap, one at a time and had them take the test.
The instructions were to print out the test and have the child read the student copy aloud, as you observe from afar, so you don’t distract them. You can check boxes to mark deficiencies on the computer copy, as they read, or print your own to mark the deficiencies that way.
Like a good Homeschool Dad, I didn’t follow the instructions. I administered the test with each child sitting on my lap with them able to see me check the boxes as they made a mistake. I administered the test with possible distractions. The children (1st grade, and Kindergarten) scored fifth grade and third grade competencies. They may have done better, without distractions, but how realistic is that?
Lessons Learned:
The kids are doing great.
Though their competencies are well beyond the expected competence for their age, some of the mistakes they made were probably because of how I had them sitting (on my lap at the computer, shifting around for comfort). It became clear they were distracted while trying to read the more challenging material). Distractions are realistic, but to get an honest result, I should have read the administration instructions and followed them.
To be fair to the teacher, the kids are used to sitting on my lap while we read the Bible every morning. I didn’t tell them why I put marks in the boxes, nor did they ask when I was doing it. I didn’t correct them or make comments on mistakes. I just let them read. I did notice them shifting around more than normal for comfort.
Overall, they did great, though the results weren’t unexpected. What I’ve learned are phonics based reading systems are still easy to teach, and quickly learned.
**Post UPDATE 5/8/2020(The original Post recommended Phonics based reading resources from The National Right to Read Foundation and utilized their reading tests) I have removed the links because of a troubling notification, until further notice.**