[senco-forum] initial assessment of pupils' difficulties

Dear All,
    As it's the start of a new term I am trying to assess the year 7 - 9 pupils ( in a very gentle way), one-to-one, and will be getting them to do:
  *10 mins free writing - to get a writing speed score and look at spelling, sentence structure, vocab etc.
  *Silent reading - words per minute and brief questioning 'What was that about...'
  *Non word reading - single syllable words and 2 syllable words
  *possibly some phonological type work - segmentation, blending and spoonerisms
  *a dictated piece to look at spelling (any suggestions?)
  * some sort of short reading comprehension - I'm a bit stuck for suitable passages
   
     I hope to get an overall picture of strengths and difficulties and then target my work around this.
      Does anyone have any other suggestions?
      What do other people do?
  I teach both primary and secondary so am interested in all ages.
  Best wishes
  Janet
  trying for a more organised start to the term...