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Primary education

Join our Primary Education forum to discuss starting school and helping your child get the most out of it.

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Original poster

sorry reading levels again

17 replies

begood · 19/01/2011 12:11

I will probably be flamed for this but wondered what you would do.
My ds is in year 1 of a mixed year 1/2 class, which ha has been in since reception (when it was reception/ year 1). He is doing great with reading on book band 7, so no real concerns but would value your opinions.
I go in sometimes to help with reading and have noticed that the children who are not so good at reading are heard by a teacher weekly, and likewise the not so good year 2s, but children like my ds are left to parent helpers, TAs etc..
This is ok except it means they never move up to next reading level - only the teachers can do that.
I know my ds is my PFB, but he is a much better reader than some children 2 book bands higher than him, who still need help decoding.
I know this isn't a problem and he reads books from library so he is progressing but only because we do so at home.

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PoppetUK · 19/01/2011 12:22

Have you asked for a harder level??

I would just ask in a casual way "do you think DS is ready to try something a little harder, I wondered what you thought or what things he needs to do better to more onto the next level?"

I think my DD's get's the books from the TA and I sense the TA is given some authority to move kids up levels. She hears them very often.

PoppetUK · 19/01/2011 12:23

Sorry I meant "she hears them often" :) Terrible English

Original poster

begood · 19/01/2011 12:29

I have this paranoia of being labelled a pushy mum each week i hope the teacher will have just moved him, but i think probably i will have to pluck up the courage and ask.
I have to say though this book band thing is a load of rubbish some of the children i hear on high levels aren't as good as those on lower levels etc..

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OffToNarnia · 19/01/2011 12:33

My son is usually heard by a TA and some do seem to have the authority to move levels. However, if I feel ds is lingering somewhat on a level and the books seem too easy I just put something in the reading record- eg; 'ds read this quickly and easily. Do you think he may need his reading level reviewed soon? Whatever you think best. Thanks'. Always gets reviewed then and teachers don't seem to mind me asking...not to my face anyway!

Cortina · 19/01/2011 12:41

I agree with you about children on higher levels sometimes not being as good as those on lower levels. Of course us parent helpers are just judging fluency rather than comprehension/inference/prediction/ability to compare characters and give alternative endings etc though.

Having said that I know my son is capable of these things as well as reading fluently. Some underestimation seems to be a common theme, I've seen lots of people make similar comments here and IRL.

I am anxious as I want my son's ability to be reflected in his KS1 score and his potential realised. He's capable of a level 3 IMO and I'd like him to get level 3s as there's a chance KS1 results might be used to indicate grammar school potential or otherwise in the future.

He's one of the 'quiet middle', some are seen as less able others more able and there doesn't seem to be much potential for children to change their label. Our teachers appear to assess with preconceived subconscious ideas in their heads: 'X made a mistake there and there and didn't understand this but I know he's capable and bright, he's demonstrated it before, up a level he goes' versus 'Y is really a trier but not very articulate, oh there's a mistake and another. Oh dear, more consolidation for Y then'.

Original poster

begood · 19/01/2011 12:51

Thanks for replies. I think your comment on reading diary sounds very reasonable Offtonarnia. I will try that rather than approach the teacher i think.
I fear if l don't do something he will be stuck on this level 'til the end of the year!

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Cortina · 19/01/2011 13:00

Our teacher doesn't read the reading diary, I don't think with 30 in the class it's realistic to think that it will be always considered. Or certainly this is my experience. A face to face friendly chat or similar may be a way forward? Good luck.

Begood which NC level is he currently at for reading? How old is he? An 'official' Y1 or Y2?

OffToNarnia · 19/01/2011 13:06

Cortina may have a point with reading diary. I guess you probably have an idea whether entries are read in your ds class. If you don't feel comfortable approaching the teacher - a note stuck on the book perhaps!

PoppetUK · 19/01/2011 13:14

I think my DD would be one that didn't sound like she could read that well. Depending on her book and how tired she is, what mood etc influences her expression. I think she comprehends what she reads very well. I think we are now starting to come to words that we might need to see if she knows what they mean as well. I know recently DD has got through quite a few books and I'm not sure the school have any more left at that level even if they did feel she needed more practise so she's now on the next level so this could also account for some children being on different levels but sounding better than another etc.

Original poster

begood · 19/01/2011 13:37

My ds is in year 1 so we have not talked about NC levels yet.
I am sure that the teacher doesn't have time to read with all the children in a class of 30 and i think you are right Cortina that it is not realistic to think they can.
I would like to think that all the children could reach their full potential but you do get the feeling some are left to drift along a bit.

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OffToNarnia · 19/01/2011 13:48

Try not to worry. I have found that with my ds, when he is assessed after a long gap he sometimes goes up more than one level. So.. things sort of sort themselves out in time. The fact that you use the library means even if he finishes a school book quickly he has others to look at if he wants to. Maybe [if you think your teacher does read the reading record!] mention what books he enjoys reading from the library. My ds is not in the top 'colour group' either but I have recently given myself a 'shake' and really relaxed about 'progress'. However unable to relax about his 'lively' behaviour at school..ho hum!

Original poster

begood · 19/01/2011 13:52

Great reply Offtonarnia. I do sometimes get myself worked up. I think i will try the comment in his diary then maybe leave it and keep getting books from the library.

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squidgy12 · 24/01/2011 23:05

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seeker · 24/01/2011 23:10

"I'd like him to get level 3s as there's a chance KS1 results might be used to indicate grammar school potential or otherwise in the future."

Honesttly, they won't. KS2 and 11+ - but not KS1.

blackeyedsusan · 25/01/2011 13:16

ha i asked questions in the reading diary, such as ... does dd hve the confidence to answer questions about the book at school? commented about what she could do and if she found the book easy... No reply, no change of books.... so i wrote... Please could you explain why dd is still on pink books...got called in to see the teacher. She is on pink books because "she does not get enough of the story from the pictures"

We have been getting books from the library and doing our own thing anyway and recording it in the diary for reference if the teacher really wants to know. (yeah right)

I am with squidgy on this. we read the school book, use it to retell the story or inspire some writing (dictation) or poetry (just the simple reception stuff, nothing fancy and probably years out of date) record it in the diary as an extension activity and leave it as that. we are just playing the game. it is the teacher who is going to look daft if it turns out dd really can read and understand.

CharlieBoo · 25/01/2011 13:52

I had this before Xmas with my ds' teacher. (also y1) His school books were just not challenging him so I spoketo her. She gave me the usual well it's not just sounding/decoding, it's the comprehension as well etc. But she promised to listen to him read the next day. The next day she called me in and said yes he has really zipped along hasn't he and moved him Up 2 levels. Have a chat with the teacher.

lovecheese · 25/01/2011 14:21

Seconding going in and having a chat. Some may recall the saga of my DDs reading last year, basically the ususal story of child not showing what he/she is really capable of for the teacher, even though you know they are. Anyway, at parents eve last June teacher said that DC was predicted to get a 2b but actually got a 2a/nudging a 3c for reading. The words "I told you so" sprang to my mind. But be friendly when you go in, hear their side and hopefully you will come to an agreement.

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