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Original poster

Is it possible to know if a child is "academic" so young?

27 replies

WimpleOfTheBallet · 31/01/2011 17:25

My DD is 6 ...she's the youngest in her year (year 2) at a private non-selectve prep. She's happy and teachers seem happy with her.

She seems to have had a little trouble with reading though this has improved hugely this term. The teacher has been sending her into year 1 for phonics...the school did not do phonics at all until a new teacher took over year 1 this year...should I be thinking that DD is not very academic because she needs extra help? The teachers never even told me she was having this help...DD mentioned it today...she's been doing it for a week or more. Somethng to do with having plasticene in one hand and making shapes with it whilst ddoin something else with words..Hmm

Her teacher in class 2 doesn't do phonics...DD appears to really enjoy the time in class 1 and her reading has one from sstrength to strength...she get trough a book very fast now..she's on the expected level for her age in the scheme...but I get the feeling that even this non selective prep wants the kids to be ahead.

So...should I worry she's not academic or be happy that she's getting more time spent on her....is this what I am paying for?

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PrincessScrumpy · 31/01/2011 17:36

She's almost a year younger than the others so I would be surprised if she wasn't a little behind. All children develop differently (same with crawling, walking, talking etc). Be grateful they are giving dd extra time but be supportive and not pushy (easier said than done - I think I have the potential to be a pushy mum).

Is she happy? If so, I wouldn't worry - GCSE years are the time to worry! Good luck xx

Original poster
WimpleOfTheBallet · 31/01/2011 17:45

They didn't even tell me Princess so I haven't had the chance to be supportive!

I do read with her every night...and there as been a massive improvement...I just wodered if this was indiative of a lack of academic ability?

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pawsnclaws · 31/01/2011 17:52

I think they should've told you if she needs extra help (though it seems early and they may still be assessing her) BUT yes I would be pleased they are recognising that she needs individual support.

I wouldn't worry long term anyway, bear in mind that some of the year 1 children she is learning with could be just a few weeks younger than she is! "Behind" is such a relative concept, and I don't think at this stage an issue with reading indicates a lack of ability - she probably just needs to use a system that better suits her needs.

Original poster
WimpleOfTheBallet · 31/01/2011 17:55

I know paws...she looks more like the kids in that year anyway...physically...her class are all bigger and seem more mature.

To be fair her teachrs were encouraging me to give extra attention to her reading...she was difficult about i at the time dueto the truggle.

I think it can only ge better.

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pawsnclaws · 31/01/2011 18:15

That's the spirit - you say she's improved hugely this term so clearly headed in the right direction. The plasticine sounds a great idea btw - I know when ds1 was in reception they tried to make the letter formation really practical (tracing letters in sand etc.).

Original poster
WimpleOfTheBallet · 31/01/2011 18:43

she can write beautfully...her spelling tests are always 9 or 10 out of ten and she can read well now. I think the school won't let one child lag even slightly.

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FloreatEtonia · 31/01/2011 20:48

The question is: Did you do anything with het at home before she started school? Most parents at preps will have taught their kids to read and do some other academic things. It might be that if you didn't then you just need to readress this balance by doing more at home with her.

Personally, I hate phonics and it is better to get her memorising words. The Peter and Jane books, although utterly boring are amazing.

activate · 31/01/2011 20:54

a 6 year old doesn't necessarily need to read fluently

because she's 6

it is no sign of academic ability at all

If it helps I have 4 children - none of whom have been able to read fluently much before 7 or 8 (still have a 6 year old so uncertain of when she will) - none of them were into books until they hit about 9 or 10

DS1 16 is very academic - A* and As across all GCSEs

DS2 13 looks to follow suit and is doing at least 1 GCSE next year and poss 2

well I could carry on but I think my point is well made

you cannot judge their ability at that age nor their interests nor how hormones will get 'em

Original poster
WimpleOfTheBallet · 31/01/2011 20:54

No I didn't Floreat...she began at the nursery in th school aged three and a half and was SO emotionally devestated to be away from me (even part time)than the first year there was spent trying to get her to talk!

She's extremely articulate and when aged 4 and a half she began talking to teachers (she had always been ok with peers) they were amazed but I think she lost ground during that year. Going into year 1 she was still struggling with writing.

As for Peter and Jane...that's what her year 1 teacher had them on and she struggled massively...poor progress really...now she's doing phonics it's like a new child. Perhaps it depends on the child?

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Original poster
WimpleOfTheBallet · 31/01/2011 20:56

thanks Activate! Grin I was very able in primary...oldest in the year....but by year 7 or 8 I was totally disinterested.

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KangarooCaught · 31/01/2011 20:58

It's great imo that the school recognise the educational need and have the flexibility to address it. As parents we find out about groupings at parents eve or if one of my dcs cares to enlighten us, probably because it is so fluid. And imo, both as parent and professionally, that doesn't mean your dd is non-academic, but just needs reinforcement in one particular area.

activate · 31/01/2011 21:01

I have found that it's the age 11 - 13 that's the bugger really

primary is for learning how to learn really

Original poster
WimpleOfTheBallet · 31/01/2011 21:34

Yes activate....I do think that's a big point.

Kangaroo it's great that the school are helping her and I do feel lucky in a way...last year I would have been devestated as I was pushy a bit keen for her to be a genius Blush I now realise it's the teaching that matters and if the school are doing something special to help her then we're incredibly fortunate.

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IndigoBell · 31/01/2011 21:41

I don't understand why you want to 'label' her as either 'academic' or 'not academic'. Doesn't sound like a very helpful label for a 6 year old....

She's probably behind with her phonics due to a lack of phonics teaching, rather than a lack of ability....

Original poster
WimpleOfTheBallet · 31/01/2011 21:45

I don't want to label her...I'm interested in her development.

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Michaelahpurple · 01/02/2011 11:19

Personally I am a huge believer in phonics. For some v early readers, it happens so fast that they effectively sight read (this happened to me) but then really struggle with spelling. If she hasn't had phonics, and her brain works that way, no wonder she wasn't reading all that much.
It sounds as though the school is tackling things sensibly (albeit with low communication) and I really wouldn't spend too long trying to read the runes.

veryoldmother · 01/02/2011 11:27

could I ask in a related way what people feel about early maths issues? I have a DS 5.5 in yr 1 at a pre prep and is having some issues with maths which I THINK is just laziness but am not sure. Does it sometimes just take time to click? No issues with reading

Cortina · 01/02/2011 11:30

Unfortunately 'tis human nature to label and it happens all the time, often subconsciously.

Our academic high fliers are seemingly spotted in reception and usually remain high fliers throughout primary school.

I have a young son (in year), so I know where you are coming from. He's doing well now and I like to believe anything is possible. My son now sees himself as a 'lion', which means he isn't as smart as a giraffe but brighter than a seal. He's already put a label on himself and largely these become self fulfilling prophecies. I will always challenge though.

One of the things I respected about Amy Chua (thinking of all the hoo hah about the recent article/book) was the belief that for 'Asian mothers' anything is possible. Violin, piano, bring it on. There is no question that most children might not master it. I find that subtle labeling begins very early, don't fall into the trap yourself.

Bumperrlicious · 01/02/2011 11:50

I met a mother at dd's new preschool and we were discussing school choices and she said 'we have chosen xxxx school as we think Fenella will benefit from a more academic environment' - they are 3 years old ffs! (She wasn't really called Fenella though Grin).

Original poster
WimpleOfTheBallet · 01/02/2011 11:52

DD doesn't seem to see herself as anything other than "popular" unfortunately....when asked how she's doing she will say "Well everyone wants to play with me or sit with me"

which is I suppose important when you're 6....but if I flatter her or push her academially she almost rejects it Cortina. She won't allow me to be a part of her learning.

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Original poster
WimpleOfTheBallet · 01/02/2011 11:53

Poor Fenella!

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TotalChaos · 01/02/2011 11:58

Blimey i wouldnt knock being popular and socially confident! Given she didnt do phonics and has now flown since she has bee taught with them i wld not assume any lack of academic ability. Sounds like yr one teacher was a bit slack tbh

Original poster
WimpleOfTheBallet · 01/02/2011 12:04

I know it's nice chaos...but it won't help her get into a good secndary will it?

er year 1 teacher was more than slack...she was lovely but also was abut to retire and had given up a little bit.

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bitsyandbetty · 01/02/2011 13:19

It is impossible to tell who will be at acadmic at 6. In my DS's year, Year 6 the groupings have changed a lot since Year 2. Those that learnt to read first are not necessarily in the top groupings and those who were weaker are now in the top. Even 11 is too young.

reallytired · 01/02/2011 13:53

She is very little. In a good state school there is massive movement between tables. For example my son was on table 4 out of five in year 1, but in year 4 he is on the top table for everything. It really helps that he no longer has glue ear.

Reading is one skill, although an important skill. I think the school is giving her what she needs. Once she has a good grasp of phonics then she will fly.

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