Are these questions ok?

[NorhamGardens]

Parents evening looms..

I have a few questions I want to ask that relate to my DC in Y2.

Is it reasonable to ask which level they are at when still so early on in the school year? Don't want to sound too pushy but got the levels on the summer term and keen to see if the progress I think may have been made has been realised. Thinking particularly in numeracy.

I also think that the book level is too easy and that my child is ready for more challenge. Reads with 100% accuracy and copes with much more challenging texts at home in terms of comprehension (can demonstrate understanding at a much more complex level than that afforded by current books coming home.) My child moved slowly last year but has now jumped on a lot I feel. It seems that the children are all assessed at set times and then all jump forward one book band regardless. I feel he is a more capable reader than his book band currently reflects. This is no problem but it seems that the children's levels are in part reflected by the level they read at? If that makes any sense! :)

I really respect our Y2 teacher and ultimately respect her judgement so unsure whether it is appropriate to raise these small things?

[MumBarTheDoorZombiesAreComing]

Not at all, my DS in YR 2 and parents evening looms this week too. I will be asking about levels as I work in education and much better to know level than 'within national expectations' as levels make more sense and then you know his strengths and weaknesses in each area.

And thats reasonable about the reading -as you've asid you'll respect the teacher and her decision so theres no harm in asking.

I've never minded a parent asking me about childrens acheivemnets or progress, as long as they've respected the answer they get.

Parent teacher co-operation is vital as teachers have 30 children in a class and so may not notice be aware of something and you informing them helps them out.

And yes technically a childs ability to read and comphrehend will affect their overall aceademic outcomes as they need to read and understand something to write an answer or solve a maths problem and the 'harder' or more in depth a book they read the more ideas and understanding they have about writing.

Most importantly enjoy someone talking about your DC for 10 minutes

[piscesmoon]

Not at all-as a teacher I would much prefer a parent to feel free to ask whatever they want to ask.

[OnionBhaji]

I think it is fine to ask whatever you like as long as you listen to what she has to say.

I only say that because last night I had a parent who just wanted to talk about their child for 10mins and didnt want to listen to what I had to say about her progress in school.

[NorhamGardens]

Thank you, very reassuring.

Our school seems to be a hotbed of parental competition in terms of who sits at which ability table etc. I would hate to be thought petty or 'child as a status symbol' obsessed on these sorts of terms. I feel very sorry for the teacher as I fear a great deal of her time is taken up with these sorts of conversations/disputes over who sits where etc.

[NorhamGardens]

Onion I can see how I could fall into this trap , thanks for the warning. I expect the time goes only too quickly also.

[lovecheese]

I will be asking about levels at my Dcs parents evening soon, I like something concrete to go on. I will also be asking for any areas of weakness that we can work together to improve, and how they are catering for a high ability child in the classroom.

[MumBarTheDoorZombiesAreComing]

Hey, how was parents evening?? I had DS this evening and before I could ask anything she told me his levels. He's doing OK and altho his writing is still a little under avarage he's catching up and thinks he could get a 2b in his SATS [hgrin]. I'm so proud of him.