DS struggling with reading but I thought doing ok!?

[Boozilla]

To cut a long story short, DS is in Yr 1 at a pre-prep and is pretty much in the bottom group for everything.

The thing is, he's on level 7 ORT, able to write joined up writing and is telling basic time, doing tens and unit additions and can count up to 200, down from 50, can count in 2s and 5s, knows basic fractions.

Up until recently I was blissfully unaware thinking he was doing really well and not really interested in levels or what anyone else is doing.

Today I saw (on the wall in his classroom) a list of all the children with their reading levels and streams for maths and english...and he's at the bottom!

Now suddenly feeling like I need to do something to help him but the school have never said there was anything to work on?? .

[ZZZenAgain]

ask the teacher about it. Sounds alright to me

[Goblinchild]

Is he happy at school?
Do you read with him every night, taking turns to read? Does he write willingly?
What was the reading level of the average child in the class, and how far off is he?
I'd definitely go in and have a proper meeting, with the focus being on what his specific areas of weakness are, and ask them how they suggest you support him. With the main point being that he stays happy and positive about school.

[Goblinchild]

I agree, he would be right in the middle of our state school, but we are non-selective.

[Boozilla]

Thanks Pixie, I am really trying not to get all hysterical about it. The only thing is that he will be leaving in Yr2 to go to another school and be competing against those in his year to get a place somewhere else.

I hate that it's so competitive here but that's where we live and I can't change it. I don't want to leave things and then have him under huge pressure this time next year when it really matters!

Have made an appointment to see his teacher next week but am so wound up about the fact that nobody thought to mention this to me, even at a parent's evening!!

I know I probably sound like a nonce but I feel really let down by the school.

[Goblinchild]

Oops.
'I agree, he would be right in the middle of our Y1 classes in my state school, but we are non-selective.

[Boozilla]

Sorry - x post Goblin.

He's ok, happy about school, needs a bit of pushing to do his homework but we do read about 20-30 pages of his book each night (he always wants to finish).

I don't know about reading levels but in terms of the ORT levels most of them were on 9/10/11 or 'open' which I assume means chapter books.

[overmydeadbody]

Boozilla don't worry, your DS is fine and doesn't need extra help at home, just let him enjoy school, reading and learning and leave the teachers to help him. 'if they where concerned they would have told you.

Someone has to be at the bottom (altohugh it's more likely to be a group of children than just your DS).

[overmydeadbody]

He wouldn't be at the bottom in my class, that's for sure, and yet I wouldn't worry most of the parents of the kids in the bottom set.


If the school is selective, you really don't have to worry, he is not struggling, by any stretch of the imagination.


None of this will matter by the time he's 18.

[MollieO]

Gosh. If he were at ds's pre-prep he would be holding his own in the middle of the class in yr 2! Ds's school is non-selective, is yours very selective?

[Boozilla]

That's true overmydeadbody. I suppose it's not like he'll be reading 'The Magic Key' stories on his way to work when he's 25!

[Boozilla]

No, non-selective. Just full of mini Steven-Hawkings obviously!!

[ZZZenAgain]

well don't stress out too much but if he is going to be applying next year to go another selective school and he is competing for a place against these children currently on higher levels than him, I suppose you have to try and tackle it.

Unless there is a good alternative?

[MollieO]

Wow. I assume you aren't near us or else my ds would be banished back to reception!!

[Boozilla]

No real alternatives unfortunately ZZ, I think I'll just need to be a bit more of a pain-in-the-bum parent from now on.

A friend did tell me once that over 50% of the children in this area are all tutored privately at home and I laughed...

[ZZZenAgain]

looks like your friend may be right.

[Boozilla]

bugger

[Goblinchild]

Very little difference between ORT 7 and 9, it's at 10 that they become chapter books and move away from the BCK settings.
Talk to the teacher.

[ShanahansRevenge]

Boozilla is there no way he could stay where he is? My DD is at a small prep and half the class will be leaving fr selective schools at the end of year 2...but I have decided not to put her in for the exams because she is so happy at her tiny school and because she just wold not cope in the atmosphere of a big selective school at the mo.

When she is 11 it may be different. I see no reason to push her yet...

[MollieO]

Are you in London? No reason to know just it sounds like nappy valley.

[lovecheese]

I've said it before and I'll probably say it again (God, I sound like my mother) WHY do some teachers have a "League table" of children on the classroom wall for all to see??? It's just not necessary, and I would not be happy for this kind of information to be available for all and sundry to see in my DCs school.

And breathe....

[3isthemagicnumber]

apart from the list on the wall (grrrr), agree lovecheese, totally unecessary....
I wouldnt worry about a thing.
He is well achieving above expected levels for END of Year 1, let alone first term , and seems turned on to reading/learning too.
Dont worry and just let him enjoy his new skills and knowledge at his pace.

[ZZZenAgain]

yes,I really don't see the need to put ratings up on the wall like that either.

[onimolap]

Boozilla: he's not struggling; he's doing fine.

I would say never mind about how the others are doing, but if you're up against competitive entry then I can see why it's a worry.

Does the school prepare children for 7+ selection? If so, I suggest you talk to his teacher or other suitable staff member about school transfer. Do they agree your chosen school is suitable and realistic for your DS? What other schools is he down for?

The tests will be selective, but there are other components. What sort of reference will he get from his current school - a child that us unambiguously described as a joy to teach will be in a very good position.

Any other strengths/passions to play to? Sport and music?

[Goblinchild]

Posting rankings on the wall is one of the perks of private education.
You get to see what so many parents want to know on MN. Exactly where your child is in relation to the class, what book they are reading and where that ranks them.
Same for maths.
No problem with the endless posts on 'My Y3 child is a level 2c/4a and I don't know what this means'
Look at the wall, you get a rank number.