No 1:1 reading in year 1

[hillbilly]

I'm shocked to find out that they do not do any 1:1 reading in year 1 at dd's school. They do group reading and also assess key words for reading levels. Surely this is not normal.

I think it is probably more common than you think, I would not say that dd never does 1:1 reading with teacher or TA but the bulk of 1:1 reading is done with parent helpers

If your dd is a good reader then I think it's common- especially in a state school. The teachers say that it is possible to assess reading in guided reading or other opportunities when children have to read.

In our school they do 1-1 throughout infants, and in juniors group reading etc. However, if they do parents helping out they would use them for 1-1 in juniors too, but getting the parents to help is an issue.

I would not worry too much, as long as they get 1-1 reading at home, because I do think this is more effective; you get more of a grasp what your child is interested in, how she is doing, shows the child you are interested and value her education etc.

The only problem I can see is that with your current school system, the teacher may not get an accurate picture of your DDs abilities if she is of the type that clams up in groups and thus confidence would hinder her progress.
If that is the case see the teacher and ask her to do 1-1 with her

She gets 1:1 reading with me at home. Also we are encouraged to go in on Thursday mornings at drop off to look through their work. I suggested to the teacher that we set something up so that parents can stay on a little longer and help listen to children read individually which has been agreed to.

Obviously due to work or other commitments, only a few parents attend the drop in on Thursdays, but I reckon if a few are prepared to help occasionally, then it may encourage others to do the same.

any teachers here who can explain what happens in guided reading? I keep hearing that it is all about comprehension and understanding different types of text, but not how the actual reading works.

Is it all reading together in a chant, or taking turns at reading aloud?

If the latter, then it is the same as 1-1, but with an audience, , which I would say is good for the more competant reader, as they can work on voice and expression, but could be purgatory for the strugglers, even if they are in a group all together.

I mean a group of similar ability; to sit there hearing each other stumbling and reading one.word.at.a.time is not much fun for anyone.

at our school the parents are welcome at any time just a matter of checking it does not clash with plans

I'm not a teacher but I think guided reading is when they take it in turns to read sentences from the reading book, in groups of 3 or 4.

groups of similar ability as far as I can tell

Guided reading they normally read a page each...

guided reading they talk about the strategies to use to read they book they read at their own pace then talk aboout the book after .

Peckle - guided reading can be done silently for groups of kids who can read fluently and confidently, but for the kids who are still learning to read it is definitely done out loud.

I think at Y1 it would all be done out loud.

Guided reading supported by one to one reading at home is very good practice afaik. The teacher groups the children so they are reading texts appropriate for their ability. He/She does hear them read, they take turns. They also talk about the book. Teaches children to read, assesses so individual take home books can be levelled. I really think it's better use of teacher time.