DS year 1 is struggling

[JammyGeorge]

DS1 is 5 years old and currently in year 1. He was happy through nursery but as soon as school came along struggled massively. In reception it was hitting and hurting other kids so behaviour was the main issue. He left reception working towards numeracy and literacy levels (I have no idea what these levels are or how it all works). At the time all I cared about was sorting out his behaviour and him being happy as he was obviously struggling.

This has worked and he had a fantastic start to year one. Gone from refusing to open a book to reading at Oxford tree level 3 I think it is. He also started the year really well with his new teacher saying at the end of October that he is not a badly behaved child at all.

So all going well. Then in the fortnight before Xmas he reverted back to his old hitting ways - why we have no idea really. And although he's improved over the Xmas holiday I was doing some work with him and he was finding writing and maths difficult.

So the teacher has requested a meeting for next Monday to "discuss ds's progress". My heart has sank and I feel really down. I know she's going to say he's behind and he's struggling and I want to help him but I just don't know how.

[user789653241]

It's not even half way through YR1 yet! So no point of worrying about it too much at the moment. Having a meeting could be a good thing. Even if he is little bit behind, there is plenty of time to catch up. Be positive, and work with school/teacher. If you don't know how to help him, it's a good chance to ask his teacher for advice. Good luck!

[JammyGeorge]

Yes you are right be positive! I keep thinking he's only 5 it blows my mind that there are all these expectations on him. My nephew is in Japan and he's not even started school yet. My SIL read one of the homework slips on the fridge when they were over at Xmas she was really shocked.

I don't know why I'm so down about it, lots of other things going on DH finds out if he gets the chop from work tomorrow so that's preying on my mind.

I think I'll ask her to explain all these levels and stuff to me and ask where he is at where the gaps are etc and more importantly what we can do about it. I think it's an all round thing rather than a specific subject probably caused by his rocky reception year and the fact he needed glasses which he didn't get until sept.

I try and set aside time at weekends to practice handwriting and do maths etc but it seems like us grabbing an hour here and there to help him with ds2 carrying on just isn't going to make the ground up.

Does anyone know if there is funding in school for a bit of help for kids like this? A TA for an hour here and there or do you need to see senco etc?

[Istrianlover]

Speaking as a year 1 teacher, children change and make a great deal of progress in year 1. As teachers we have lots of pressure for children to meet targets but the powers that be forget these are 5 and 6 year olds whose learning does not follow at straight line on a graph. They are children who as you say in many countries would not have started formal education.
Talk to his teacher she will know and understand him. Questions to ask are about his progress aswell as his attainment ( his level). If he is making good progress he will catch up. He may be part of a small intervention group with a TA or she may give you extra ideas of things to do at home.
You sound like a lovely mum and with support from school and home he will get there.