How 'Alien Words' Boost Phonics Skills & Phonics Screening Check Success

What are alien words in phonics?

When children are learning to read using phonics, they need to develop strong decoding skills. Decoding is the ability to sound out words rather than rely on memory, guessing or using the picture to determine the word. This is where alien words (nonsense words) play a crucial role in strengthening this skill. 

Alien words are made up words that follow phonetic rules but have no meaning, such as zib, mep or blorp. It's important for teachers and parents to incorporate alien words into their phonics activities and early reading practise with their children. 

If you are in the UK, children who attend school take part in the Phonics Screening Check when in Year 1. This year the Phonics Screening Check will take place in the week beginning Monday 9 June 2025.

How does the Phonics Screening Check work?

• Your child's class teacher will complete the check with each child individually.
• There are 40 words - 20 real words, 20 alien words, made up of sounds from Phase 2 to Phase 5.
• Each child is given a mark between 0-40. The pass mark is 32/40, but this can change.
• Children who don't pass the Phonics Screening Check will have extra support, in form of quick 5-10min phonics interventions, and they will be able to retake the test again when they are in Year 2. 

Why are alien words important for phonics learning?

Using alien words in early literacy helps children:

• Strengthen phonics application - They learn to decode words based on sound patterns, rather than memory.
• Avoid sight-word guessing - It prevents children relying too much on memorised words.
• Makes learning fun - Using alien words in games and activities with your child adds an element of fun, and we all know that children learn best through play and exploration!

Free Alien Words Activity for Phonics Practise

To help parents support their child's phonics development, I have created a free alien word printable that you can download and use at home. This activity is designed to make phonics practise interactive, enjoyable and effective.

Click here to download What's My Name? Alien Word Activity.

If you are feeling overwhelmed with supporting your child's phonics, reading and writing, or want to help them but aren't sure how, check out my Phonics at Home curriculum here. I'll teach the lessons, you and your child follow along for instant progress!