reading levels

[sailorsgal]

ds in year 3 is on a lower reading level than he was on in year 2. He is above national average so I am frustrated by this. His teacher moved the majority of the children down at the beginning of the year. Should I be concerned?

[JiltedJohnsJulie]

How is he reading at home? Is he using expression, wanting to read etc?

[baby0684]

My daughter is in Y3. I was concerned when the teacher reported that she had gone down a level in reading. I spoke to her about it, and its not about how well they recall the story. Can they remember what has happened in what they have just read, what they read a few days ago. Who are the main characters, their relationships etc.

If you are concerned I would talk to the teacher.

[nonicknameseemsavailable]

I have heard teachers on here say that they tend to move everyone down a level at the start of the year to cover any regression over the summer and also to make their own assessment of whether the child is meeting the criteria for expression etc.

If he is above national average then could it be that the teacher he now has doesn't like the 'free reader' status and prefers to keep them on leveled books for longer?

[sailorsgal]

thanks for the replies. I will speak to his teacher again. He doesn't really like reading the school books but they have to do a comprehension afterwards which he scores well in but I think it puts him off reading.

[nonicknameseemsavailable]

are they doing that online thing (can't remember what it is called) where they read the book then do questions online about it? Perhaps the teacher put people down a level to improve confidence with answering the questions? of course in practice putting a child down a level can make the books seem so dull that the child is completely put off and therefore shows less and less interest.
I think as a parent you should be able to ask the question 'what does he need to work on in order to progress because you are aware he is reading books at a lower level than last year? what skills are they focusing on?' and see what the teacher says, it is non confrontational, gives her a chance to explain her reason for moving them down and gives you a chance to find out what skills he needs to demonstrate so that you can focus on them with him.

[sailorsgal]

yes it is online. There is not always time or laptop available. I will try not to be confrontational.

[nonicknameseemsavailable]

sorry - I didn't mean to imply you would be confrontational but you know what I mean, if you word things the right way you can normally find out anything you need to know from a teacher and I think most teachers would be happy to have a parent who wants to be supportive and help their child so will be ok to answer your questions.

I have seen people mention this online comprehension thing on here, my daughters' school doesn't use it so I don't know much about it but perhaps if the school were new to it then the teacher might have lowered everyone to see how it all goes?

[sailorsgal]

I know you were not implying I would be confrontational. I have had difficulties before as I can be fairly direct. She is a very young teacher but where she lacks in experience makes up in enthusiasm.

[nonicknameseemsavailable]

often the young ones are the most enthusiastic aren't they and that is brilliant. I bet she will be more than happy to meet with you for a quick chat to help your son.