to think big black line in DD1s book isnt fair or nice??

[lisad123wantsherquoteinDM]

DD1 is 6 years old and in year 2. She is meant to do reading every night and math and spelling and music. We have to sign if we have done reading with her, in her home/school book.
I got called in today as DD1 had got very upset as new rules from head is "If parents dont read with children teachers MUST put a big black cross though the section normally signed" I mean WTF!!
We read most nights but last night we sent her to bed early as she was clearly shattered and getting over a bug.
Should also say dd1 has ASD and hates getting things wrong/being told off/change ect. But to be honest i think its terrible for any child, and hardly builds self esteem, its not their fault if parents dont read with them
AIBU?

Agree whole heartedly with jybay. The OP is clearly one of the conscientious-stresed. The parents who never listen to their children read and are generally unsupportive of learning both in and out of school won't give a toss about some crapolla book full of black crosses.

well indeed - will the cross be seen by the parents who DON'T read with their children at all - will the message actually get throught to them? I don't suppose those parents even bother to open the book to see what they've done at school.

The ones that do make and effort and show an interest in it will be the ones that will actually notice it and know what it means.

alwayslookingforanswers "limdsay - yes I supported the government in their recent statement - not sure what that's got to do with a ridiculous system of putting huge black crosses in a child's book"

Because this is exactly the kind of formal learning that the expert report wanted delayed until children were older. They wanted them to continue to learn through play, not through 'proper' grown up lessons and this kind of strict behaviour.

The experts were saying what you are saying, that the child is too young. The government were saying the opposite.

no I don't think 6 is too young. I think big black crosses are wrong. That's got nothing to do with the age they start learning. There are other much better ways of encouraging reading/tring to get parents to remember to write in a reading book than marking with big black crosses.

I wouldn't be happy if my 9yr old was subject to the same thing. It's not positive reinforcement and will do nothing to help those children whose parents don't engage with their learning.

sorry didnt get back to this thread earlier to join debate.
Yes we read with dd1 alot, she loves to read, write and is very advanced in her reading and I too love books.

I havent considered that the parents that dont read wouldnt see it anyways, very daff now its pointed out.
DD1 fully understands what the cross means as Im sure most of her class does, she was very upset and had a massive meltdown but im pretty sure thats down to the ASD.

And Im pretty sure there is a better way of teachers telling the parents they need to read more with their children, than a huge black cross The TA or teacher signs the book infront of the kids everytime they read daily so they def see it

And LOL @ smiley faces and signing for the year!!

My DD is 7 and in year 3 and they have asked us to read every day with them. Some days it is hard to fit it in with later home, afterschool activities, etc, but we always manage some even if it is only 2 pages. We are on chapter books now and usually do one chapter a night - so end up with 3 books a week.

To be far, we get very little other homework - usually spellings and homework over weekend - and that is the one we struggle to do = lack of enthusiasm!

Oh and to answer your OP - a thick black line is pointless!

I think the black lines are unecessary so YANBU.

But I dont understand most peoples attitude to the reading diary. You listen to them read most nights, you write afew lines in a book. How hard is it?

i dont have a problem with the diary, its great for leaving messages too, just dont like the black cross

Dragon - my DS's grab a book (from anywhere - occasional their "reading" book - often not) and read it out to me. Often the book bag (and reading record book) is no where near. I frequently "mean" to fill it in later and rarely remember.

It's not the listening to my children read that's hard - it's remembering to fill in the sodding book.

My ds is only in reception so obviously my experience is limited. Maybe after afew years I too will loath the reading diary.

wait until you've got 2 (or more - I've only got 2 - but others already have more) at school and you not only need to read with them, but make sure their other homework is done, they've practiced their spellings, and done their music practice, plus keep the toddler entertained and cooked dinner

I have three dcs, ds1 started this year, dd2 starts in 2yrs time and dd3 starts the year after that. I am sure it will be hideous in the evening trying to listen to them all read and do homework! It is definately so much more work with them at school rather than preschool!

actuall that reads wrong - I have 3 children - 2 at school.