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reading

4 replies

rrbrigi · 15/10/2013 11:01

Hi,

My son is in Year1. He said to me he read only once with his teacher this year. He did not read with the TA, but he read with parent once a week. Do you think is it normal practice?

My problem is that he is in the same level of reading book, than at the end of Reception. The reception teacher told me last year she won’t change his reading level to higher, because he already achieved the highest one in Reception. They do not let children go further than blue in Reception. He is still on blue level, however when he read with the teacher he read green books with her (and I think he reads green book in guided reading as well). My problem is that he brings home the same books that we already read in Reception. I know he choose his book in the school alone, but he always choose books that he already read, because he noticed that he does not need to pay attention to reading these books, because he already know the story.

Also I think he should be somewhere orange level, but at least green. His reading is very accurate, quick and his comprehension is very good as well. There are 1-2 words when he needs help; I just need to warn him to sound out the letters. Now I use books from Oxford Owl and he easily reads Land of the Dinosaur, In the Garden, etc… These are Stage 6 books. Also he read The Bully as well from Stage 7. The books he brings home are mostly Stage 4 and he can finish them within a minute.

I am just wondering why she still keeps him in blue? She did not put anything to the reading diary just good, excellent, etc... even when I wrote there that the book was too easy. Also we have some “I can do” statements, that he needs to do before he can move to the next one and the only things he does not know from the list that he does not have a favourite book, so he cannot speak about his favourite book. I know his writing is not as good as his reading, but I think it is two different things and I do not think that his writing should hold him back with his reading. It is important for me, because we are thinking about to move to Spain for next September (not sure yet), and I would like him to learn as many English as he can before we move. So I want him to have a good understanding about English language, reading, spelling before we move to Spain.

Do I miss something obvious why it is happening? Or probably just the teacher did not have time to read with him again? Or does she want us to concentrate on his writing?

Thanks for your answers.

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columngollum · 15/10/2013 13:07

I think you are part of the way through answering your own question. The level of reading book that your child is on does not tell you what your child can (or can't) read. It only tells you which books the school and the teacher will let your child have. If you want to know how well your child can read you either need to get library books or new books from a bookshop.

Periwinkle007 · 15/10/2013 13:43

writing shouldn't be involved I don't think, it should just be reading. My daughter is in Yr1 and she has read to the teacher once this term but a TA at least once a week otherwise, the TA would be able to decide if she needed to move up so I have no issue with her reading to her but not a teacher but a parent helper would be unlikely to be in a position to authorise a change in level so I think it is a bit odd he hasn't read to an employed member of staff.

If he has to come up with a favourite book then just get him to pick one or two so he can tick their box and make them happy. It doesn't matter if it isn't really a favourite, it is more about can he communicate what it is he likes about it.

I would probably put a note in his book saying something like 'would it be possible for him to try the next level of books as he is reading these very accurately/expressively/quickly etc' Write down that he has been reading the other books on the Oxford Owl website and then see what they say. Or if you would prefer to speak to someone then just see if you can catch the teacher or put a note asking if you could speak to her/him. Do you have a parents evening coming up?

rrbrigi · 15/10/2013 13:56

Yes. Parents evening is in next week and I will speak to the teacher. I just wanted to see if there is something that I miss, before I ask.

Also could someone tell me which level is the book "The tiger who came to tea"?

OP posts:
PastSellByDate · 15/10/2013 14:21

Hi rrbrigi again:

The Tiger who came to tea has a 6 year old reading age (so would be appropriate reading material for a teacher to give six year olds like your son): info here: www.booktrust.org.uk/books/view/24800

If you go to The Book Trust www.booktrust.org.uk and into children's books you can type the name of the book on their search bar and it will give you a brief summary & the reading age/ interest score (usually under a picture of a character/ cover of the book on left - as in this case).

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rrbrigi - you've been on a lot about how to help with reading/ music/ etc... and although it is hugely admirable that you want to support learning at home it does seem ... well a bit like you want to race ahead of the teacher.

I admit there is sometimes a fine line between trusting the pace the teacher is setting and feeling your child isn't getting anywhere fast - and I'm no saint (I totally gave up on maths tuition at school and went our own way) - however I think you are trying to ensure he has mastered English by age 6 and I fear that is asking quite a lot.

I think given you are going to go back to Spain anyway - and what you seem to desire is that your son develops his English is to ensure that he enjoys what he is reading this school year (also take advantage of reading mornings/ programmes at local library - plays for children/ etc...), and once you're in Spain look into English lessons (many English retire there and may be interested in tutoring/ British Council may have things for children/ his school may have something/ etc...). With on-line books becoming increasingly popular - it also should be possible to carry on reading in English as well. Continue to build familiarity with English (and modern usage) through English/ Canadian/ Australian/ US/ etc... English speaking television viewing as well.

HTH

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