I am a bit worried about DS

[Changebagsandgladrags]

DS is in reception and the other day I was able to spend some time in the classroom.

He doesn't put his hand up.
He seems very reluctant to answer when asked directly even when I know he knows the answer.
He doesn't listen to the teacher.

I also got some comments back from the teacher. That we need to work on blending and to work on the phase 2 words as he didn't know any of the ones on her list.

Well I printed out a million and three phase 2 words and he can work out almost all them. He needed help on ones like ticket and pocket which I feel are very tricky for a four year old. He was very proud of himself.

Anyway, I am getting this impression that he is behind all the other children and that he's suffering with low confidence now. Now they are writing in sentences, but is still getting the hang of writing the letters.

At home we think he is quite bright (doesn't every parent). He is very into finding out about things, asks lots of questions, has an amazing memory, so what I am saying is he enjoys learning. But he seems to hate reading and writing. I wasn't worried at first because I kept telling myself "he's only 4" but now if he's falling behind and feeling down about it then I am worried.

[magnolia74]

Sorry, age four and all the other kids (presuming 4 too) are writing in sentences???

[CharlieBoo]

Yeah agree with homeboys...my ds was certainly not writing sentences in reception. He sounds like he's doing great btw. It takes time for their confidence in class to grow. I also find in my ds' class that their are lots of confident children who will want to answer everything and my ds is one of the ones that will sit back and just let them get on with it...

I found with my ds that he was capable of a lot more than he would show in school...thats more down to his personality...he is not very 'wow look at me and what I can do' like some of the others.

Try not to worry...goodness if I was in my ds' class I would be in a state I'm sure...lots of clever confident girls in particular in his year 1 class....

[Changebagsandgladrags]

Yes, some of them are writing in sentences of three or four words. And very neatly too. Normally I not worried about what other kids can do, but for some reason this is getting to me.

I'm glad I posted this. I think they are working too fast for this age group.

I agree there are lots of confident older girls in the class. He is one of the youngest.

[Littlefish]

I have a huge range of writing ability in my class, from a children who are still using "emergent writing", ie. random letters or shapes to represent words, through to children who are able to write 2 or 4 simple sentences.

It's absolutely normal to have a range like this, and for all children to be making adequate progress, or better.

[Littlefish]

3 or 4

[PlasticLentilWeaver]

DS is 5. I'd be happy if he could write anything. He's just not interested. But I'm not worried. His teacher assures me he is one of the brightest, just fine motor skills aren't his strength.

[magnolia74]

Same here, ds1 is4 (in nursery) and is very bright with numbers/letters/colours but isn't really interested in picking up a pencil!

[Ferguson]

Our Reception children start with picture-stories without text, and make up their own version of a story. Many young children never put up their hand, nor answer questions even if asked directly; some cry when they have to answer their name for the register! After all, these are all new concepts to them and can seem very scary. In Reception they should be "learning through play", and formal learning of letters and sounds should be phased in very gradually. I have worked with children for 25 years, but have only just joined MN and it is horrifying to see how many misunderstandings and concerns parents have about school. Please; praise and encourage your child but don't "push" and if he isn't yet interested in reading and writing, try not to be anxious about it as that could transfer to the child.

[MigratingCoconuts]

our teacher said dd didn't 'click' with school until Easter in reception last year. then she took off and is doing very well.

Her birthday is in June and I guess it must be completely diferent for a september born child.
this is what reception is all about, allowing them time to reach their own pace with things.
It all comes out in the wash, so to speak!