Reading longer texts

[redskyatnight]

DS is in Y2 and on "white" NC book band. His school has (thankfully) abandoned reading scheme books at this stage and so he has a choice of "real" books for his school reading book.

The books he bring home range from 30ish pages to easy chapter books. He reads fluently and has good understanding of what he has read. However, he struggles to read for any length of time. On a good day he might manage 20 pages of his book, normally it is around 10 pages. I don't want to put him off reading, so whenever he starts to flag I normally suggest that we call it a day (and then I read to him).

This is probably a "panicked by hearing about MNetters' children reading much better" question - but is this "normal" for this stage? And what is the key to help him read longer texts - is it just practice?

He sounds like he's doing really well so try not to worry. Definitely normal to flag.

I think you have answered your own question there, red. Yes I do think reading "Stamina" needs to be built; My DD2 is also reading long books from school and we tend to take it in turns reading a couple of pages each then swapping - also gives her the chance to hear an adult reading in a more accomplished way, hopefully this will aid her fluency and expression. Am feeling that your DS's school allows for more freedom at the stage he is at- my DCs school have loads more levels after the NC ones, and DD1 has just become the first "Free Reader" in her Year (5!).