when did your DC become a free reader

[recyclingbag]

We had book bands in infants, then new set in juniors which went up to black I think (stage 16)

DS has just finished all the bands - he's in year 5. Is this expected level?

I've no idea what the rest of his class are doing and don't like to ask.

I think some were free readers ages ago.

[newyear16]

Do you mean you want to knowif you should let him be a free reader at home? If soI would let him loose in the library ir a childrens book shop and let him choose what he likes. As long as he develops a love of books does it really matter if he choosesti read picture books or chapter books in his 'spare time'

[BobbyV]

"irvine101 Wed 24-Feb-16 09:09:58
I think it's totally understandable that MNetter's children are more advanced compared to other children. They have parents who are interested in children's education, and take time to get involved, have books around, take them to library, etc."

WOW, just wow !!

I'm obvs a MNetter and my age 7 DS is an average reader who really has to try hard at it. He's in Yr2 and on turquoise books which is perfect for his age expectations.

Oh, and I am extremely interested in his education, do get involved, have lots of different books at home and we often spend time in the library.

Just sayin like

[user789653241]

BobbyV I just responded to the comment made by some posters saying that they can't believe there are so many early readers. Fortunately, mine was one of them. And I have no reason to believe my ds is the only one.

[BobbyV]

There are many early free readers im sure, however your comment implied that only Mnetter parents are interested in their kids education thus making said kids more advanced. It just doesnt work that way
There are countless parents not on mnet with advanced kids and countless parents on mnet with average, some below average, perfectly normal and delightful kids

[BobbyV]

Thats how it read to me anyway

[user789653241]

Sorry, I didn't mean to say only MNetter parents are interested in children's education. I know that's not true. And everything you say is right. I apologise if I sounded like that. I'm sorry!

[Ellle]

I don't think irvine101 meant it that way, although I can see it could be interpreted like that. If I remember correctly, English is not irvine101's first language, so that's probably why she phrased it that way.

I understand what she is trying to say. The fact that so many parents post saying their children started reading books like Harry Potter or other similar books at such a young age is not representative of what average is throughout the rest of the population. But it might be explained by the fact that many of the parents in mumsnet, or at least the ones that come often to the Primary education forum are interested in their children's education, and among those it might be more common to find children who are above average for reading and other skills.

But of course, just because someone is interested in education and reads every day to their children and takes them to the library does not automatically mean that their children will be reading chapter books in reception. Other factors are involved as well.

[user789653241]

Thank you Ellle. Yes, expressing something in second language is difficult. I really need to think about it before I post something, without realising it could be offensive.

[BobbyV]

Ah, I understand what you're saying

I'm a regular lurker on the ed board but more because my DS struggles so look for advice on helping him keep up.

Sometimes it does feel like everyone else's DC on the ed boards are high achieving / academically brilliant.

It can make you defensive sorry

[user789653241]

[ophiotaurus]

Well this thread has made me feel crap. Not irivine's post as she explained what she meant, but the fact all of these 5 year olds are free reading.
I thought my two were good for their age but obviously not!

[ophiotaurus]

Don't think I'll be coming back in here!

[ShelaghTurner]

I was a very advanced reader. DD1 is in yr3 and will never finish the reading scheme as she refuses to read the school books. She's just recently got interested in chapter books like Roald Dahl and Enid Blyton but because she's not reading the school books she'll be on white or whatever till she leaves the school! I'm more bothered than I'd like to be, I can hear how well (or not) she reads, she's doing fine but still I wish she was further up! It's daft.

[user789653241]

ophiotaurus, my ds is doing great academically, but he has chronic illness and asd traits and everything that comes with it. So I feel crap quite often.

[nilbyname]

My DS is g and t and is rather bright. He is sailing through school and we are very pleased. However it is only on this an anymore forum would I say such a thing as I don't want people in real life to think I'm an insensitive twat.

It's not easy fielding barbed comments about how clever DS is and how such and such is trailing behind or how they all wish they could read as well as my DS. It's totally out of my control and as lovely as it is for him to be finding school and literacy in particular a breeze and enjoyable, I hate hate hate the comparisons!

Children should be allowed to develop at their own rate, be celebrated for all their hard work and nudged along by everyone.

[Ellle]

ophiotaurus just because some 5 year old children are free readers does not mean that your two are not good for their age.

Every child is different, and as we just said, there are many other factors involved other than parenting for those who are precocious readers.

[ZanyMobster]

From what I know, most schools consider a free reader after lime level (level 12 I believe). At others it will be level 16 (tree tops books generally).

DS1 was level 12 in YR and L16 in Y1.

DS2 is Y3 but only on level 12, he can only just about read to himself at night in bed but isn't what I would call a brilliant reader, he is slightly above average in his class.

[ZanyMobster]

Free reading is interpreted differently in lots of places. One of the school mums went round telling everyone her son had been a free reader for ages, it seemed odd as the other children had said he was in the bottom group. It turned out he was allowed to choose his own book out of the level he was on, not actually a free reader at all. I really wouldn't worry about what other people are saying.

[user789653241]

Washediris, people get upset because they care, I think. About reading early, you shouldn't get worked up so much, because by yr3/4/5 almost all the children get there, soon or later. And about the children struggling, there are lots of tips from good teachers and parents how to help them. I truly believe, reading is not a race.

[mrz]

Zany I know many schools where "free reader" means we gave no suitable books in this class so just read what you want until next year,

[ophiotaurus]

So is free reading the ability to read books out with the scheme ie books from home? Or not to be on banded books anymore?
My 7 year old is reading Diary of a Wimpy Kid at home and is only orange level at school. I've spoken to the school about this and they won't budge. He understands what is happening in the DOAWK books.

I am a keen reader and read to the children at bedtime.

Washediris I do in fact know about the library. You're right, it isn't rocket science but thanks for pointing out somewhere that books are available. You can also buy them in shops or download them onto e-readers

I'm just surprised at the seemingly high proportion of G&T children in here as opposed to what I see when I go in to help with reading at my dc's school.

Still this area of mumsnet doesn't seem that welcoming so I think I'll stick to the litter tray.

[nilbyname]

ophio

Sounds like your dc is doing very well, reading a range of things and has a lovely mum who is interested in reading and helping.

MN is skewed, not many people are going to rock up and say oh yeah my kid is pretty rubbish/average. It's just not in our nature as parents!

I'm sorry if I have posted anything that's made you feel crap.

[Spandexpants007]

Stage 11 is counted as free reading at my boys school. One was free reading at the end of reception. The other at he end of year 1/beginning of year two