why do they put kids in different groups in Y1 to Reception and what do they mean?

[imaginaryfriend]

My dd started Y1 today and has been so upset since getting home. All her previous friends in her group are still in a group together but she's been moved to a different group. It doesn't sound like a huge deal but if you knew how shy dd is and how hard it was for her to settle into school life.

So I'm just wondering if anybody can explain to me how the system works? Is it likely she might be moved group during the next few weeks?

I am a yr 1 teacher. I usually start off the year by grouping according to information I have received from the reception teacher (ability info). For example, I may have literacy groups according to reading abilities. I quickly am able to make my own assessments which are often different as children change a great deal over the summer. I will then move groups around.

However, I have had parents come to me and say that their child is really unhappy as they are the only girl in their group. If that is the case, then I will do my best to move them, at least for part of the time.

I am sure that your dd is not at her table the whole time, especially at the beginning of term when they will be moving around a lot.
I would give it a day or so (remember, your dd is also just getting used to being back at school and yr 1 is different from reception) and then maybe have a chat with the teacher.

pudding it seems to me that that's exactly what's happened, that the groups have been based on where they were in Reception only I just don't understand why dd's been moved down 2 groups from where she was in Reception. She was completely consistent in Reception, she never changed groups while lots of other children did. I could understand having been moved down one group even but two seems such a lot, she's with children now of a very different ability to her. I know, by the way, because I was a parent helper for reading in Reception and got to know all the groups and all the children quite well.

Thinking further about what you said pudding, dd had an excellent report from her teacher, I can't think there would be anything passed on that would suggest dd was not doing as well as she could be. I'm quite confused about it.

In our yr1 the literacy groups are not based on reading ability. Last year we had someone who was way above most of the class for reading but was in one of the lower literacy groups.

Hi imaginaryfriend et al

I'm a Rec/Year 1 teacher, and though we do set groups according to ability, there are many other factors involved too. For example, 2 particular friends may be kept together if it would unsettle them too much to be separated, or a very responsible child may be used to set a good example to others if (and only if) there will be no ill effect on that child. My thought is that there hasn't been enough communication between the two teachers involved in the transition, if the upheaval has been that great. Please please go and approach the Year 1 teacher directly, and she will be able to tell you her reasoning (or lack of it!!). We much prefer it when you guys are direct with us rather than worrying about it on your own! But do take heart from the fact that groupings are reviewed frequently (at least termly) as all children develop at astonishingly different rates. One child who arrived in my class for the last week of Reception and didn't talk or do anything at all, and consequently got put in the lowest group, is rapidly turning out to be a child genius. Oops! Turns out teachers are only human after all

Totally agree with EllieorOllie! Maybe teacher is grouping according to numeracy? Maybe according to social skills or maybe it is just something along the lines that she did not have enough space at a table to put everyone so put your dd somewhere there was space! Go and speak to the teacher. Let us know what happens!

wheresthehamster forgive my total ignorance but what is a 'literacy' group as opposed to a reading group?

Yes, I suppose the groups may have been set according to numeracy although dd was doing quite well in that area too.

At the moment I'm hoping that this is a kind interim group while the teacher settles the class in and that there might even be a change on Monday?! (is that wishful thinking? would some groups be shifted this early on in the term?)

But I think I will try to speak to the teacher on Tuesday and yes, I'll definitely keep you posted. Thanks for all the help and replies it's been very very helpful.

A literacy group could be grouped according to how well a child can write, comprehend, spell. Some children are good readers but not as good at these things (although they do usually go hand in hand).
It is possible that things may change on Monday. The teacher may have observed the class this week and make amendments accordingly. However, if you are still worried, do speak to her on Tuesday. I am sure that she will put you at ease and help sort out the situation.

Thanks for clarifying that pudding.

Well, dd's writing is pretty good really and her spelling isn't too bad in general, I've always thought that although not a genius she was pretty good with it. She correctly spelled the words 'egg', 'van' and 'apple' in a class activity the other day which she brought home from school - I asked her if she'd written the words by herself and she said she had. Numeracy is her weak point for sure but she's not awful. She reads almost fluently now although she's so shy when she reads at school that her last teacher said she could hardly hear her voice.

Yes, I realise increasingly that I need to talk to the teacher, preferably without dd around. Just to ask all these questions and to have some explanations to offer to dd and some idea of how things might pan out in the future. Of course if she's meant to be in this group because of ability then that will have to be and she'll have to get used to it.

I wish she was in my class at the beginning of yr 1 if she can spell and read like that!

It makes me think that the groups are probably not ability based but your dd has been moved away from her friends for another reason, who knows what! See what happens tomorrow and let us know.

Maybe it's beacuse she IS so shy and her friends weren't giving her the opportunity to speak for herself.

Her reading and spelling sound excellent!

ninja I was thinking that may be a possibility too. But if it is making her upset, it may be a good idea to put one of her friends with her, rather than all of them?

pudding, I didn't mean to make her sound like genius or anything - reading and writing are really her thing. She's much more confused with numeracy and still uses all her fingers to add up on.

The groups are definitely ability based because she was in Reception with at least 3 other children at her level and I know that 2 of the children from the younger Reception class are very bright. They're all now in the same group except for dd. Plus dd's current group is the 'middle' group as it always was in Reception.

I don't think she's been moved because she's shy; she's never had friends who speak for her, she's too 'independent' for that if that doesn't sound like a contradiction. She's just really enjoyed the group she was with, they seemed quite kind to each other. The new group is a huge challenge for her especially one girl who is generally very unkind to dd. I can't see how that would help her shyness at all.

You're all so kind for sticking with me through this I must sound like a combination of pushy and neurotic. I'm actually neither, just concerned dd's where she's meant to be and is able to function. It's taken her so long to come out of her shell and she's already right back in it, perhaps worse than before because she doesn't understand and I can't give her a proper explanation that doesn't sound wishy-washy.

Dont worry, you didnt. I really man I would like her in my class, she is really bright if she can do that. Be proud!!!!
You dont sound pushy or neurotic, just concerned.

Thank you pudding. To be honest I'd quite like her in your class too, you seem really nice. and very patient.

Honestly though there are at least 3 other children who are at the same level of reading / writing ability as dd in her class. They were a really sweet and cooperative group. I relaxed such a lot after her having been upset all through nursery and for the first term in Reception. The last two terms of Reception she was, well I wouldn't say keen, but fine about going into school.

Thank you - They are so little in yr 1, the teacher has to be understanding.
I am sure it will all be sorted and your dd will ba absolutely fine. Yr 1 takes a bit of getting used to compared to reception at the best of times.

I think the more structured timetable and the increased responsibility for possessions really appeals to dd. She's excited that they now get a 'tray' to put their things in rather than them all being dumped in big plastic crates at the start and end of the day. And she loves the activities - dot-to-dots, colouring, bits of writing she says so far. So it's not all bad. I think she was made for school beyond Reception in lots of ways.

OK, so no change today as I'd been hoping there might be.

I'm going to try to chat to the teacher tomorrow after school, I'll ask her in the morning if she can spare 10 mins at the end of the day. I've never ever done this before - any tips as to how to approach it without seeming like a pest?

Just be aware that she may not be able to see you tomorrow as she may have another meeting and oyu may need to wait until the next day.

Just be honest and say that you don't want be a pain and hope you are not annoying the teacher or being neurotic but that DD is upset because of the groupings and that you know things are different in yr from reception but you were just wondering wht the rationale behind her being in this grp is. Is there any chance one of her friends could be in the same grp as her just until they get settled?

Also, I imagine they prob are not in their grps all that much during the day at the moment.
Good luck with your chat. Don't worry, I am sure she is really nice!

well my dd has a new group - only one other girl out of 6 but the trouble makers have gone so I supoose it's a positive change. It's not a girl she really knows though so I may well be questionning again if she doesn't settle.

Hope you manage to get somewhere imaginaryfriend

Good luck for the talk.

That's good news ninja. Are you happy with the level she's been put into? Was your concern just that she was with some disruptive kids?

pudding, thanks again, that's more or less what I'd imagined saying and I've braced myself that she might not be available at such short notice. The teacher actually does seem really nice. The thing is ... dd doesn't get her shyness from nowhere! I've been tied in knots with nerves imagining speaking to the teacher about this. Nuts isn't it? At my age too

How do you all know which group your dc's are in? I mean, do they tell you, or does the teacher tell you, or is it just obvious somehow?

My dd has just gone into Y1 and is in a split Y1/Y2 class. I have no idea which group she has been placed in. Do i ask or will it become apparant?

Well I don't know how it would work in that situation, with a split year. When dd was in Reception the teacher didn't make it a hidden thing that the children were in 'ability' based groups, she referred to them as the 'low achievers' or the 'high achievers', but I think a lot of parents never became aware of it unless they asked or discussed it with other parents. The information was openly there but you didn't have to know if you didn't want to. I know now which group dd's been placed in because the children have mostly transferred to Y1 in the same groups as they were in in Reception. I haven't heard anything directly from the teacher, I'll be interested to see if she makes it a more 'covert' thing when I discuss it with her, hopefully tomorrow.

Well, i knew which group she was in in Reception, its was very clear (also referred to as 'top' 'middle' and 'bottom' group )

Maybe it will all become apparant later in the yr ...

Good luck for tomorrow

at the teacher imaginary friend...what a good idea, labelling the children so openly and so early in their academic career - perhaps making it a self fulfilling prophecy for some of those little ones that they will remain low achievers...

Yes groups need to be arranged around ability but a bit of subtlety of presentation for the childrens benefit is not a bad idea!