DS having trouble with reading and other children's responses

[Hermyninny]

DS is in Foundation. He's just turned 5. He doesn't find reading easy but has made progress since starting school. We have always read to him and have loads of books at home and used the library. I'd love him to find it easier but I'm happy with his teacher and the progress he's making.

In the last week, however, he's told me that some of the other children have been laughing at him (and some of the other slower readers). I'm very sad about this as I don't want him to get disheartened. Do I mention it to the teacher or do I just keep working with him on his reading and not make an issue out of it?

what? they are only in reception. I can't believe there are enough other children reading for him to stand out. I am shocked.

my daughters have been lucky enough to pick up reading (one has issues with dyslexia but that is a different story - she doesn't follow the norm and learned to read anyway) and certainly DD1 had no idea the other children couldn't all read like she could until they had been at school for a a few months. I obviously have nice children because there is no way they would make fun of someone finding it difficult, they would try to help them.

I think in your position, given that he has told you himself therefore it must have knocked his confidence, I would speak to the teacher and just ask if they were aware that some of the children had been doing this. Don't make an issue of it in front of him (do it in a note if you are worried he will hear you telling the teacher) and keep working with him but it is the sort of behaviour which a teacher would want to stop straight away.

I had a similar thing with dd in Y2, when she told me she had been teased for "reading baby books". I mentioned it to the teacher. Here haven't been any incidents since and thankfully DDs reading has taken off since.

Thanks both. I have to admit I was a bit shocked. I know that there will be a range of abilities in the classroom, but didn't expect this to start so soon. I really don't want him to get frustrated or sad about reading as he loves books and stories. I was an early-ish reader but was rubbish at sports and the humiliation still stings today...

I'll mention it in the communication book to the teacher - I don't want him to feel it's a big thing.