MobyMax Language Placement Screener

When to use this screener: Since MobyMax Language begins at Grade 1 level, use this screener BEFORE starting MobyMax if your child is young (ages 4-7) or struggling with reading. This 5-minute assessment identifies exactly where your child is in their reading journey - from pre-reading skills through early elementary. It ensures they start with the right foundational timetable to build confidence and prevent gaps, rather than being overwhelmed by Grade 1 content they're not ready for.

📋 How to Use This Screener

Print this page or have it open on a device
Sit with your child in a quiet space
Work through each section until they struggle
Stop when they miss 3 in a row in any section
Calculate their score and find their timetable match

Section 1: Letter Recognition (0-10 points)

Point to each letter. Ask: "What letter is this?" (Mix of upper and lowercase)

Scoring: 1 point per correct letter = _____ / 10

Section 2: Letter Sounds (0-8 points)

Point to each letter. Ask: "What sound does this letter make?"

Scoring: 1 point per correct sound = _____ / 8

Section 3: Basic Word Reading - CVC Words (0-10 points)

Ask child to read each word. These are simple consonant-vowel-consonant words.

cat

run

big

hop

sit

mud

pen

hot

wet

fun

Scoring: 1 point per word read correctly = _____ / 10

Section 4: Blends & Digraphs (0-10 points)

These words contain blends (bl, st, tr) and digraphs (sh, ch, th)

ship

that

chip

stop

frog

black

truck

when

swim

glad

Scoring: 1 point per word read correctly = _____ / 10

Section 5: Sight Words (0-12 points)

These are high-frequency words children should recognize instantly

First Set - Basic (4 points)

the

and

you

Second Set - Common (4 points)

said

come

what

here

Third Set - Advanced (4 points)

because

could

through

friend

Scoring: 1 point per word read correctly = _____ / 12

Section 6: Reading Fluency (0-10 points)

Ask child to read this passage aloud. Score based on fluency, not just accuracy.

Sam has a red ball. He likes to play with it at the park. One day, the ball went over the fence. Sam was sad. His friend Ben helped him get it back. They played together all day. It was fun.

Fluency Scoring Guide:

0-2 points: Cannot read or only reads a few words
3-5 points: Reads word-by-word, many errors
6-8 points: Reads in short phrases, some errors
9-10 points: Reads smoothly with expression

Fluency Score: _____ / 10

📊 Calculate Total Score

Section 1: Letter Recognition	_____ / 10
Section 2: Letter Sounds	_____ / 8
Section 3: Basic Word Reading	_____ / 10
Section 4: Blends & Digraphs	_____ / 10
Section 5: Sight Words	_____ / 12
Section 6: Reading Fluency	_____ / 10
TOTAL SCORE:	_____ / 60

🎯 Your Timetable Recommendation

0-10 points (Pre-Reader): Grade K Timetable

Focus on alphabet recognition and letter sounds. Typical age: 4-5 years.

11-20 points (Emergent Reader): Back to Basics 1/2 Timetable

Can identify letters but needs help blending sounds. Typical age: 5-6 years.

21-30 points (Early Reader): Back to Basics 2/2 Timetable

Decoding simple words but needs sight word practice. Typical age: 6-7 years.

31-40 points (Developing Reader): Grade 1 Timetable

Ready for MobyMax Language starting point. Typical age: 6-7 years.

41-50 points (Progressing Reader): Grade 2 Timetable

Has basic skills, working on fluency. Typical age: 7-8 years.

51-60 points (Confident Early Reader): Grade 3 Timetable

Strong foundations established. Ready for grade-level work. Typical age: 8+ years.

📚 Understanding the Results

This is completely normal: If your child scores below 31 points, don't worry - this is typical for children under 7. The supplementary timetables will systematically build these foundations. Most children progress through 10-15 points every 3-4 months with consistent practice.

How to use these results: Start with the recommended timetable for 4-6 weeks to build solid foundations. Once your child is comfortable, introduce MobyMax Language placement test to determine their grade level in other areas. The timetable provides the structure, while MobyMax adapts the difficulty automatically.

📝 Important Reminders

This identifies foundation gaps: Even if your child is older, gaps in these basics will affect all future learning
When in doubt, start lower: It's better to build confidence than create frustration
Stop when struggling: If your child misses 3 in a row in any section, stop there
Reassess in 3 months: Children progress quickly - retest quarterly to adjust their timetable
Combine with MobyMax: Use the timetable for structured practice, then let MobyMax adapt to their exact level

Ready to print? Press Ctrl+P (Windows) or Cmd+P (Mac) to print this screener