Best reading system?

[bacon]

DS2 yr 2 is only on book 4 of the oxford reading tree as I have checked he should be on level 8-9 for his age group. He is bright and does very well in all subjects apart from reading.

When I mention oxford heading - Biff, chip etc and many of my teacher friends fall about laughing that the school is using these books which are 20 odd years old (date stamped too) and no wonder the school has a reputation as being 'alright' - surprising poor church school.

No one addressed problems at reception and year 1 teacher was praising him but now yr 2 the teacher is more brutally honest. He is having extra lessons in morning and has had some private tutoring but I am still concerned by the poor reading system of the school taking into account that DS2 will start in September.

Just wondering your opinions on this subject. I have many issues to take up with the head and was going to mention this as well.

Our primary doesn't use any reading scheme at all. They just have a variety of books.

Has he been taught phonics and given ORT or has the school used mixed methods, words to learn by sight, use picture clues, look at initial letter and guess "work out" the word from context

mrz - no idea we are given a weekly spelling book but it doesnt seem to coincide with the reading book. All we are given is two reading books. What goes on in the classroom I have no idea are we supposed to be given a weekly breakdown? All very confusing.

Is he able to blend the sounds to read words?

He's still doing individual letters but will when pushed do some sounds. He does get mad and then starts crying....such fun!

If you feel confident to support him it might be worth looking at Bear Necessities as it sounds as if he needs lots of basics which is further complicated by the ORT books

OP I have 2 older dc who read these books and although this is not scientifically conclusive I admit.
My dd had another reading scheme and is nowhere near as good as they were at her age.
I loved these books and the kids came on in leaps and bounds.

Maybe have a look at the reading chest as you can borrow books from all sorts of different schemes?

I think you need to find out from the Y2 teacher exactly how he has been taught and what they are now doing in the extra lessons.

How did he do in last years phonics check?

Does mum know about phonics?

When pushed to do some sounds he gets mad and starts crying. What have they been teaching him and why?