6 year old is struggling at school

[Mel86]

My daughter only turned 6 the end of August she's just gone into year 2 but is struggling with her work reading and writing, she gets very angry and has cried every morning on the playground she doesn't want to go......i get very upset I've just tried reading with her but it ended in an arguement now I feel guilty....does anyone else have these problems I need help!!!!

Hi my grandson is 6 , 10 August and we generally have had problems with him , he's slightly below average in year group , safe to say he is challenging , what was she like before in year1?

It's very easy to get into a situation with your child where reading and doing 'homework' becomes a conflict with us shouting they have to do it, pay attention, you do know how to read it... etc. and them howling, shouting they can't and generally losing the plot (or at least in my house it is :) )

First off - and hard as it is- try to ignore the crying. Don't jolly her along - just calmly tell her you understand that she is upset at the idea of going into school, but she is still going. Then just leave it. You've told her, she understands so there is no point labouring the point.

Reading and writing are very tough for some children at this age as they all develop cognitive and motor skills at a different rate. It can be very frustrating for them at school to see friends steaming ahead whilst they can't. So sympathise with her - let her know that you understand she finds it hard and you are proud of her for trying her best.

Ask the teacher for advice on how to help her with the reading and writing. With reading it is helpful to know exactly where she struggles so you can help her: is it that she is unsure of her phonics or does she struggle with decoding words eg CVCC words. Stick to a manageable amount of reading at home - that may be 5 minutes, not the entire ORT book. Same with writing. If you have to do it at home set a timer for 5-7 minutes (plenty at her age) and see how much she can write nicely rather than filling an entire page.

Again, speak to the teacher. Let him/her know how distressed she is and ask for advice on how you can both support your child.