Reading in Year 1 - let go slow or hurry along?

[poppynic]

My DS is 5 1/2, in Year 1 and a fairly reluctant reader. That said, he can read harder books than the ones he brings home from school.

I don't know whether it is best to let him meander along at the school's rate (they are currently testing twice a term), on the basis that he can just "relax" with it, or to suggest to his teacher that he should be checked as to his reading level. Any advice about the best approach?

If he is reluctant I would let him go slow for a bit. Might make him a bit more confident in his own abilities to read some "easier" books and give him the bump to get moving again.

I think at this young stage it is better for a child to take their ime but become confident and interested readers than to push them along faster than they like and risk putting them off further.

You can always look at more challenging books at home anyway.