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Talk to other parents about parenting a gifted child on this forum.

Talk to other parents about parenting a gifted child on this forum.

Gifted and talented

Almost 6 reading age 8.8 - school help?!!

15 replies

nappyqueen · 16/02/2013 15:12

My ds (6 on Monday) had a reading age test done, while poorly, came out at 8.8 he currently reads in top group at school and some reading with class above him. He is the youngest in class due to Scottish system so most kids a full year older. Basically he is bored, strong willed, stubborn and uncooperative!! Some fab traits! School won't 'challenge' him. He needs a firm hand or he will just shrug and not bother. Because of this I am worried he will stop trying and his chances of making the most of his brightness will be lost.

I have had issues with this school before to the extent that his g&t brother is now at boarding school (don't need comments as we are happy with our decision and it's the best thing we ever did, he is loving it, challenged, actually learning stuff and in his element!) and those issues 1st started when he was a year older than this ds. We encourage him to tow the line but he's so disheartened by the work he's given but we can't seem to get school to move away from group work. Yes, peers and peer group are very important but if there us no-one to work with then what can you do?

Sorry it's so long just fed up of fighting my cause after older ds and can't bear to see how frustrated my younger ds is :-(

Anyone know much about Scottish system as no levels given and no g&t register etc. HELP!!

OP posts:

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MrsMushroom · 16/02/2013 19:52

OP what's the problem? Are they not giving him books which engage? His reading age is not remarkable...and it's not advanced enough to be G&T I wouldn't think...lots of DC have reading ages which are 2 and 3 years ahead of their actual age.

My own DD is 8 and reads at the level of a 13 year old...she just chooses suitable books with the help of her teacher...

WhereMyMilk · 16/02/2013 20:14

I tend to agree with his reading not being that remarkable, or showing him to be G&T. There seems to be so much emphasis on this. DS is the same age, and happily reading long chapter books or non fiction to challenge himself, and does his sisters (yr 4) maths homework. I don't consider him to be G&T and certainly school haven't mentioned it. His teacher says he is very bright.

We encourage him with extra stuff at home. Maybe you could do the same?

BooksandaCuppa · 17/02/2013 08:09

You seem to be mentioning three different issues - the reading, the 'not being challenged' and the 'needing a firm hand'.

The first one's not really a problem. Many, many children read way above their chronological age - once they can read, they can just read. Ds and most of his 12 yr old friends have reading ages of 18 plus.

I think in your shoes it's the second two I would focus on and try to ascertain whether there's any link. Have you spoken to any teacher yet? Try not to get too worried that the same is going to happen as with ds1 as it might colour what you think of any efforts school do make initially!

lljkk · 17/02/2013 08:48

Is he difficult in class, does he make learning harder for the others?

Is he grumpy about going to school, does he hate it making you miserable every time you take him in, and are you sure that it's too easy work that is upsetting him as opposed to having to do what he's told?

Can you extend him at home? Simple things like getting books from public library, asking him to write stories, etc.

DD was also several years above her reading age and even more above her "writing age", but she wasn't generally stroppy so could put up with a bit of boredom.

seeker · 17/02/2013 08:57

The reading age isn't really relevant- once you can read, you can read. My ds is not g and t at all, but he found learning to read easy and loved books, so was a free reader by the end of reception. He was "top table" but not super bright for everything else , and the school had no difficulty giving him ( and the rest of the table) differentiated work.

What do you want the school to do?

LilyBolero · 17/02/2013 20:04

Don't worry about the 'reading age'. Make sure he has lots of reading materials at home.

My 6 yo is currently enjoying Horrid Henry, Narnia, Harry Potter, Just William, How to train a Dragon etc - all worth trying with your 6yo, and if he is a bit daunted by the 'lots of words' nature, you can get audio discs, which are a good way in.

LegoIsMyFriend · 17/02/2013 21:42

But surely his reading is only a very small part of his day at school? My DD is in Y1, assessed as at least 2 years ahead on reading. She is also very able at Maths. But what I notice when she talks to me about her days at school are the themes, e.g space, healthy humans etc etc, they do and all that she learns in those.

PiedWagtail · 17/02/2013 21:47

Sounds like he is good at reading - I wouldn't say g&t, as my dd was reading 4 years above her age at that point. - but i would say his behaviour sounds like it could be a problem in school for the teacher.

Can you extend him with extra work/learning outside school? What are his reports like? How are his maths, pe, science etc? Reading is only a small part of school. Is he good at all the other work he has. All schools do group work, and it is good that he is reading with the year above. I'd find out about his behaviour etc. in school before worrying that he's not being extended enough.

tak1ngchances · 17/02/2013 21:49

When I was 8 my reading age was 21. I wouldn't say 8.8 is particularly advanced for a six y.o.?

RedHelenB · 21/02/2013 19:23

How on earth do yyou get a reading age of 21!!!???

LadyMaryQuiteContrary · 21/02/2013 19:25

I thought the scale only went up to 16?

BooksandaCuppa · 21/02/2013 19:53

18 on all the ones I've ever seen/used.

LadyMaryQuiteContrary · 21/02/2013 19:58

Hmm. Ds was assessed when he was 8. The teacher said he was 16+ as he was off the scale. He was (and still is) a huge reader though.

tak1ngchances · 21/02/2013 21:23

This was 1988 in Ireland. Quite possibly a different test to the one used nowadays in the UK. But it definitely went up to 21!

survivingwinter · 24/02/2013 20:45

Is his comprehension up with his actual reading age? I ask because often there is a lag and that gives you something to work on along with getting his own ideas and stories down on paper.

My dd also picked up reading very fast and has a reading age of 8/9 yrs in yr 1 but we've been told there is still lots to work on and there is no discussion of her being g&t.

The most important thing is that he's happy at school and therefore receptive to learning and that would be my key discussion area with the teacher.

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