Extra Help for struggling 8year old.

[Jennywallpaper]

I was wondering if anyone had any information on where I could get some resources to help my ds with his literacy skills.

Ds is 8 and in year 5 (Ni) I had his parent teacher interview yesterday and was surprised to learn how much he is struggling with the curriculum. He has been getting some help from the TA but I would like to help him build his confidence and stop him relying on the TA as much as he does.

Would anyone be able to point me in the right direction to get information or resources to help him. I have emailed his teacher and I'm waiting to hear back.

@Jennywallpaper hello - it would be good to know what the areas of weakness are pls. is it reading/writing/comprehension/other? cheers.

Thanks for the reply, it's all of them really. His reading has came on, but he still struggles and he is at a lower level to most of his peers.

@Jennywallpaper hi, I would suggest a 'back to basics' approach with him - start with reading together and asking questions and discussing the story/book. At the same time, try dictation at home - something easy to work on for his writing and confidence. it will require some work and gentle encouragement for sure.
also, did you get any school report at end of year 4 which highlighted this or is it a new thing? is the teacher concerned or more of a wait and watch?

Thank you, the dictation is a great idea! We knew from his report that he was behind where they'd like him to be, but we didn't know that he was relying so heavily on the TA. I agree its going to have to be a gentle approach with lots of encouragement.

@Jennywallpaper all the best and it is a tricky balance because you do not want to pile on pressure and turn them off learning. keep encouraging him to try and give it a few months - he will get there with help and support !!

Have you met with senco? I know you said he’s working with TA but are they taking him out of class for specific interventions? They had a few different catch-up curriculum interventions and my kids school. My DD (dyslexic) did one of them. She missed pe for a term to attend.

Have you tried schoolrun.com
I was just browsing through it.

The TA is specifically for another child in his class and he seems to join them outside of the class when he needs help. I haven't met with SENCO, this is the first I'd been made aware how much he was struggling. His teacher mentioned he has spoken to the teacher who would deal with children who need extra support, but nothing had been relayed to Me.

I haven't heard of it, I'll check it out. Thank you