Still some mistakes in getting letters right at 6 - something to be concerned over?

[JoandMax]

After some advice on my 6.3 year old. He's in Yr 2 at a private school (we're abroad so no state ones available but I'd put it on a par with a good UK state school), they are notorious for not being great with any children with additional needs or extra support. This is all schools, not just the one we go to. There is a huge trend of parents chucking money at tutors, classes, therapies and a lot of competitiveness for schools to be the best.

At parents evening this week DS1s teacher said she wants him assessed/treated by an external agency as he still sometimes gets letters/numbers the wrong way round (Ps, 9s etc) and its indicating a problem. He also apparently writes too slowly.... Reading, comprehension, maths, science and everything else is all fine, he's above average. I've looked through his workbook and the mistakes are perhaps 2 or 3 in a paragraph of writing.

Is this a flag for something?? I don't want to spend time/money on some form of therapy if its not actually needed and concerned this would stress/worry DS1. My feeling is it will just improve as he gets older and probably just happens when he's a bit tired or feeling rushed.

Opinions please!

[number2093847]

My state uk school told me that getting things mixed up was normal at infant level (reception, year 1 and 2)and that they would only consider it more closely if they hit juniors (years 3 to 6) with major issues ie) proper dyslexic type writing and not just a rare letter/number back to front.

Also writing slowly is very very common. There was a huge group consisting of mostly boys that wrote desperately slowly throughout my sons infant years. After about 3 months into year 3 they were all more inspired and ready and all took off gaining top grades on leaving juniors. From a teachers point of view it's frustrating because they have to have evidence to give a child a writing level. So the ability can be there but the evidence not. This is not you or your sons problem. You know hes OK because his reading and maths are good.

In your shoes I sit it out and review it on his 8th birthday and then consider if he needs additional help. In the mean time read lots, finding books to delight and inspire him

[elliepac]

DD is also 6 and in Year 2. We have just had our first parent's evening. Like your son, she is above average in everything, maths, reading and also writing. She also still gets letters and numbers mixed up occasionally. Her teacher (a very experienced one who I trust) was not concerned in the slightest. She said it was something they all do from time to time. It didn't prevent her teacher from saying she was above average in writing.

Personally I would hold fire from extra intervention until Year 3/4 based upon what DD's teacher said. No point in creating an issue if there is not one.

[Loveleopardprint]

Perfectly normal. Don't worry. Keep reading with him which will improve his writing too.

[rocketeer]

We were also told it wouldn't be seen as an issue until at least yr 3. It's perfectly normal and I don't think 2 or 3 mistakes a paragraph is anything to worry about!

[Dolallytats]

My 6 year old still does the same thing. He also sometimes reads d as b, although he does correct himself quickly. I was told this was perfectly normal.

[JubJubBirds]

As a teacher my advice would be to keep an eye on it but don't worry about it just yet. It can be indicative but at this age it's equally as likely to just be him 'working the kinks out'.

[JoandMax]

Thanks for all the reassuring replies, I was worrying but feel a lot happier now!