to speak to the teacher about this

[BakedBeansAndChips]

My DS in in year 2. He's very, very quiet. At the start of reception he was doing quite well academically, particularly in maths. In year 1 we noticed the maths was starting to fall behind, but the focus was so much on phonics that school didn't seem to think it was an issue.

Now he seems to be really, really struggling with maths. He has homework and struggles to even get one question right. But he's also a really poor reader and in the second-bottom set for this, so it seems he's struggling across the board. The class is really boy-heavy and some of them are really high needs - from what DS says, the teacher seem to spend most of the time dealing with behaviour and I feel like DS is falling through the cracks a bit.

I don't know whether this is normal or not? At the last parents evening she said he was doing OK, but I am concerned about this apparent backwards step. I don't want to be that parents who starts demanding all sorts, but I am concerned that as the "quiet kid" he's being ignored a bit. The teacher didn't seem to know much about him at all... I think he's a wallflower that just sails by.

Should I say something, and if so, what?

He needs some one on one time. Do you do daily reading with him?

Say something. Not in an angry or aggressive way and not mentioning other kids. Ask how you can help him.

Ask for a chat. Often kids who are no trouble fall through the cracks. Don’t leave it - time makes such a difference at their age.

Sorry I should have said, we do read with him every day and try to do a bit of homework (maths/writing) at the weekend. However, there are definitely parents who do WAY more with their kids so we aren't like mega-homework-doers!

How much are you doing with him at home each week?

I listen to my Y3 twins read 10 minutes a day, 5 days a week, and I also do lots of times tables with them each week.

Kids need to take what they have learned at school and practice at home.

Two things-

1. forget about him being ahead academically in reception as this often doesn't translate once hitting ks1.
2. you're doing enough at home so yes speak to teacher and see if he can get any intervention groups etc.

I also think they benefit a lot from what you do at home with them. So maybe pick it up a bit at home and see how he goes.

It sounds like you’re already supporting him at home.

You can talk to the teacher so you know they’re aware of your concerns. I’d also ask for resources/links to resources to use with him at home. An extra 5-10 minutes a day, at a different time of day if it’s easier, will help to reinforce what he’s doing in class.