Just started reception - how do they decide which level of book to send home?

[loueytb3]

This is a sort of AIBU but I'm too much of a chicken to post in there and I want to see if I'm overreacting....

DTS2 started in reception last week. We had a meeting with his teacher just before he started to let her know about likes/dislikes etc. DTS2 is a very competent reader and has been reading since he was 3. We took along one of his books which he can read to show his teacher the sort of level he is at. she seemed quite receptive and pleased that he was an able reader.

So today, he has come home with a level 1 ORT book which has no words in it. I am quite cross because what is the point of discussing what level he is at if they are going to ignore it.

In contrast, DTS1 also started in reception last week at a different school (he has ASD and is at a unit based in a mainstream school). He came home with an ORT level 3 book, which he can read, albeit slowly. DTS2 is a much more able reader than DTS1.

I don't want to go in all guns blazing. I would like to find out what other schools do to assess reading in reception. Is it usual to start children already reading on the first book. DH wanted to get DTS2 to read the instructions inside the book to make the point that this was far too easy for him.

I think that you are really overreacting. The first few weeks are often used just to settle the children and establish routines. During these weeks the assessments will take place. His reading is really not going to be affected at all by which books the school gives him, maybe it is more your ego ... Read the books he and you want to read at home. I would still also go through the school book, just once and make a note in his school diary. Absolutely ridiculous to go and speak to the teacher about this at this stage! It is not very relevant that you have told the teacher that he can already read. The teacher will have to assess your son and will then decide the appropriate level. There is more to reading than just decoding. Give teachers some credit!

My dds primary school call these picture walks, the child looks at the pictures, describes it and follows through with their own words etc, its more to get them used to the idea of reading and why its enjoyable as opposed to just reading the words. Not all children have a love of books and whilst it can be frustrating for some parents it'll work itself out.