Primary School Language Checklist

A primary school student could have a language disability if the student has any of the problems on the Pre-School Checklist and/or:

  • has problems constructing complex sentences (using words such as before, after, while, unless, otherwise and either to join ideas within a sentence)
  • has problems giving clear, well-sequenced instructions
  • has problems re-telling events, with events in a logical order
  • has problems following three-part instructions (for example, Get out your maths book and your red pen, and turn to page 52)
  • has problems fully understanding stories read to them (for example, has problems identifying the main idea, remembering details, understanding characters’ thoughts and feelings, and predicting further events)
  • has problems distinguishing between similar-sounding words (for example, comb and cone)
  • has problems saying multisyllabic words (for example, says mazagine for magazine) 
  • has problems identifying the first and last sounds in words, breaking words into syllables and sounds, and recognising rhyming words
  • has problems ‘sounding out’ words when spelling and reading
  • has problems reading grade-level texts fluently and accurately
  • has problems writing grammatically-correct, well-sequenced paragraphs and stories
  • has problems with reading comprehension (understanding what has been read) 
  • is reluctant to read or write
  • is reluctant to participate in group discussions, avoids answering questions, appears rude or abrupt when expressing opinions, has few friends or is teased by other children
  • dislikes school, says school is boring, refuses to co-operate with teachers, disrupts others’ work, or struggles to complete class tasks and homework

Other Checklists: Infant, Pre-School, High School.

We help primary school students with language difficulties. Find out more about assessment and therapy at the Centre. 

Contact us for more information.