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Original poster

AIBU to ask why my Year 1 child reads so much at school?

80 replies

tnorfotkcab · 17/04/2026 09:37

DD is 6, in Year 1 and a free reader since Jan. She is, somehow, reading 1 or 2 books a day at school (for example Dog Man or Worst Witch type of books). She read an entire Dog Man in less than one day - she had library visit around 9:30/945 - and had finished it by 3:15pm. I know they're not as long as they look, and she is a fast reader, and I'd estimate would take her around 30-45 minutes to read it.

She assures me she isn't doing this reading during her break and lunchtimes - but in classroom time. I am not entirely sure how she has so much time she can read these books...

I have no issue if she's reading at the end of the day - eg when they're all on the carpet in front of numberblocks or whatever whilst the kids get sent in 12 different directions.

She claims she is reading after doing work sheets and stuff hmmmmm, but also said she was reading during student Show&Tell. I told her she was not allowed to do that anymore and she must listen to their presentations

I know this is definitely a "nice to have problem" - but shoudl i email in and ask how it's possible she has so much "spare time" that she is able to spend 45-60 minutes a day reading?

OP posts:
CurlewKate · 17/04/2026 09:46

tnorfotkcab · 17/04/2026 09:37

DD is 6, in Year 1 and a free reader since Jan. She is, somehow, reading 1 or 2 books a day at school (for example Dog Man or Worst Witch type of books). She read an entire Dog Man in less than one day - she had library visit around 9:30/945 - and had finished it by 3:15pm. I know they're not as long as they look, and she is a fast reader, and I'd estimate would take her around 30-45 minutes to read it.

She assures me she isn't doing this reading during her break and lunchtimes - but in classroom time. I am not entirely sure how she has so much time she can read these books...

I have no issue if she's reading at the end of the day - eg when they're all on the carpet in front of numberblocks or whatever whilst the kids get sent in 12 different directions.

She claims she is reading after doing work sheets and stuff hmmmmm, but also said she was reading during student Show&Tell. I told her she was not allowed to do that anymore and she must listen to their presentations

I know this is definitely a "nice to have problem" - but shoudl i email in and ask how it's possible she has so much "spare time" that she is able to spend 45-60 minutes a day reading?

If she’s free reading, surely that’s what she should be doing while the others are working on phonics? What do you think she should be doing?

Eenameenadeeka · 17/04/2026 09:46

I was the same as a child. She probably finishes all her work early.

Original poster
tnorfotkcab · 17/04/2026 09:44

OneTimeThingToday · 17/04/2026 09:40

Is she finishing her work, and then being tild to read (or allowed to) while everyone else finishes? If she js advanced at reading, shes likely quick at the other stuff as well.

EtA... some of her class mates might not be reading beyond simple words yet

Edited

i think she's reading after finishing her worksheet s- so she says. She finshes quickly because its easy for her, so has "full marks" or whatever - but I also think she's rushing so she can read.... she rushes with everything, it's in her nature - but with her writing in particular, and her writing is poor. Still struggles to form letters correctly - I'd much rather tshe is making sure her writing is neat and clear etc

Is it unreasonable for me to ask them go give her harder work so she has to learn to struggle a bit?

I feel so silly :(

OP posts:
MyBrightPeer · 17/04/2026 09:43

I would ask her teacher. Being an enthusiastic reader is great so you don’t want to discourage it but agree that if she’s reading when she should be engaging in other things, she needs to listen. Plus a teacher is going to give you more of a straight answer than a six year old.

OneTimeThingToday · 17/04/2026 09:40

Is she finishing her work, and then being tild to read (or allowed to) while everyone else finishes? If she js advanced at reading, shes likely quick at the other stuff as well.

EtA... some of her class mates might not be reading beyond simple words yet