Below expected level, any advice?

[alwaysseemslikehalfterm]

School reports are home today and ds2 has got 3c for reading and speaking and listening and 4c for writing. So one sub level below and 2 sub levels ahead. He is in year 4.

We don't think its disastrous but there are clearly improvements to be made so are looking for ideas for things to do over the holidays.

Am I right in thinking that some of this will come down to comprehension? How is speaking and listening judged?

We always do the summer read so will do that but make more of an effort to read together and ask questions and he has expressed an interest in work books for comprehension. Can anyone give any recommendations?

He opened the report in the car and was gutted to see below expected level. I have explained that it is only just behind and he is ahead in other areas and that we can work on it. He is keen to improve so I think short bursts daily will help but welcome any ideas!

[Iamnotminterested]

He can write. Well. Will stand in him far better stead at secondary, especially under the new curriculum, than the other bits, I think he deserves a hearty well done.

[alwaysseemslikehalfterm]

Oh he has had that don't worry . We are very proud of him all As and bs for effort so can't ask for more.

Thank you for your reassurance

[RaisinBoys]

Lots of reading and chatting. Fun books, challenging books, exciting books.

His writing is brilliant...well done to him. Will stand him in great stead. Have a happy summer!

[MrsKCastle]

For his reading, I would start with the decoding- can he read (or make a sensible attempt at) new and unfamiliar words? Can he read fluently, taking account of punctuation etc?

If that's all ok, then definitely look at comprehension. Start with basic recall of story, characters etc (or key facts/sections from non-fiction) but quickly move on to deeper meanings- how does the text make the reader feel, what words/phrases achieve this, what was the author's purpose, what possible interpretations are there for this section, why is this a good way of describing x?

[alwaysseemslikehalfterm]

Gah! It's 3a in writing, the 4c was maths!

Yes he can read pretty well, not quite as good as his twin brother who got 3a in reading. His brother's improvements have been very recent though and a couple of moths ago I would have said they were about the same.What he does sometimes do though is look at an unfamiliar word and just make something up. When told to break it down he can usually do it. He does usually, but not always take note of the punctuation and if in the right mood will do voices, but only occasionally.

He is very quiet in class apparently and I do wonder if this is affecting his performance. He goes through stages of nervous tics and he does this a bit more when reading. I can imagine he is very shy at school and did go through a stage of reading at 100MPH, which has improved greatly the last couple of weeks.

Just going to have to take the bull by the horns. He hates being asked questions about the books as he thinks of it as more work. I read to them every night and he always listens well and asks questions if he doesn't understand so hopefully we will get there.

[greeneggsandjam]

Sounds quite similar to my child! Also hates having to give answers and prefers one word as far as possible, also is pretty quiet in class.

Do you all get the NFER Reading test results? we got a reading age of 11+ and a grade B but then for the teacher assessment the reading NC level was 3b. However it was 4 for the QCA optional test result.

Writing was a 3C, I know this is a weak point due to not wanting to think to much and take time to write anything more than a few words.

Maths was a 3a.

Not a bad report but not fantastic either. I also plan to do work over the holidays but then I say that every year!

[alwaysseemslikehalfterm]

No that's all we got, i wasn't aware that there was a reading test to be honest.

Having looked on line it the difference between what he got and the expected level I am now less concerned, but will still be doing the extras as I think it can only help.

[Ferguson]

I wouldn't worry too much, as long as he is near to where he should be, and the maths is good.

What activities or clubs does he do/like ? Life is more than 'levels' and exam results, though unfortunately maybe some MN parents wouldn't agree with that.

I was a primary TA / helper for over twenty years; true, the educational 'climate' has changed in that time, but CHILDREN probably haven't changed that much!

Don't 'push' too hard, and try to develop wide interests and skills; sport, games, music, art, crafts etc whatever he enjoys.

I'll try and come back sometime, maybe with more specific comments.

[alwaysseemslikehalfterm]

He does cubs and enjoys sports and does spend time drawing but also spends too much time playing minecraft and watching tv!

Having looked at the report again, the comments do seem to suggest that improving his confidence would help so I am wondering if he just isn't demonstrating his skills enough. The literacy teacher is very good and experienced and wasn't concerned at parents evening which is why its a bit of a shock really.

I want to try and talk more with him, help him question and make sure if is underStanding what he is reading

[alwaysseemslikehalfterm]

He does cubs and enjoys sports and does spend time drawing but also spends too much time playing minecraft and watching tv!

Having looked at the report again, the comments do seem to suggest that improving his confidence would help so I am wondering if he just isn't demonstrating his skills enough. The literacy teacher is very good and experienced and wasn't concerned at parents evening which is why its a bit of a shock really.

I want to try and talk more with him, help him question and make sure if is underStanding what he is reading

[frames]

Hi there, if its any conciliation my dd in y4 will get way below what your son has achieved, but she has worked as hard as she can, put plenty of effort in. I plan to enjoy the summer holidays, she is doing lots of different activities, I won't push any more academic work, but give her opportunities that school doesn't give. Without support she will not be an academic flyer, but she is already a helpful, happy person, I am sure your D's is too, and hope you enjoy the holidays.