It is me, not her - advise please

[clare40]

I am struggling with my Yr1 child's learning ability. She was always really bright as a little one - was one of the first to recognise letters, numbers and read CVC words. Her reception teachers often said she was one of the most able. However, I really don't think that is the case anymore. Her reading is ok (yellow ORT), but by no means great and she often reads words backwards - saw/was, or starts sounding out words from the last letter? (Is this normal??)

Now, I know she is such a happy child and a real delight to be with, but I can't help me a little disappointed her learning hasn't taken off like I had hoped it would. I know this is my problem, and she is still so little. But has anyone else had a similar situation? Any words of wisdom

Yes - DD in particular has had peaks of learning where it seemed almost supersonic then stood still again.

Just been to parents eve and teacher reports she is a great enthusiastic learner, keen, helpful, kind, well liked by her peers [proud] - but that she does plateau every once in a while - v normal

all those things are normal IMO. every child learns in fits and starts, I'm sure this is just a slow phase.

just try to relax and enjoy her for who she is, without getting hung up on her achievements :)

what month was she born? its just that it makes such a difference.

The Government likes to think that children learn and develop in nice straight lines. It never ever happens like that.

Thank you for your replies, much appreciated. We have a parents evening coming up soon so that will be helpful.

(P.S sorry - that should say BE not me!)

Hmmm - while I don't disagree with anything that's been said so far, I would keep an eye on her progress with this class teacher. Not all KS1 teachers are equal, in my experience. Some are much more on the ball with literacy skills, and/or being able to challenge children's skills. Eg one KS1 teacher moved my DC up FOUR reading books in a week - after about three or four weeks in his class. Like your DS she was an early reader (3.5yrs) but seemed to plateau in year 1. I didn't query as I didn't want to seem pushy/unrealistic, and also because she is a Aug bday, and I knew that she had other social/learning skills that were less developed. However, I am relieved that she has this teacher. He doesn't have any better assessment of her skills, but he does seem to be more prepared to push her/get her to challenge herself. (She is really chuffed).

Sounds just like me. My daughter was always called little professor in the early days as she was so chatty, engaged with books, keen to explore crafts and so on. Now in year 1 she is bottom of the class for reading and it is not easy getting through quite simple books. The disappointment is all mine - as I just want her to be coming on by leaps and bounds and not to have worry about whether there are deeper difficulties. Sorry - just to say I understand that feeling. On optimistic days I look at all the fantastic things about her (imaginative, enthusiastic, sensitive) and just hope the reading and writing and numeracy and drawing bike riding and dressing and eating nicely .....will develop wonderfully one day.