How much reading / writing / drawing does your Y1/2 child do at home willingly and independently?

[imaginaryfriend]

Just curious as to how keen kids are to read / write when it's not a task for school or pushed by parents.

I've seen such a variety between dd (6 - Y1) and her friends.

She's mostly pleased to read but usually she has to be gently persuaded and would want me to be listening. She loves drawing and does it all the time. Writing is variable.

Twinset - your DD sounds so like DD is quite a few ways. We have just spent an hour ealier "designing" t shirts, reading to transer onto a Teeny Meez t shirt. One of DD's fave toys she has is an old toy I find in a charity shop - a 70/80s fashion designer toy, the very same one I had as a little girl. Cost 50p last year and she loves it.

dollybird - depends on the school. Some schools sstart joined up writing from reception age. DD's school starts it in Y2.

Reception - really? Mine started in r 1. When Ds did I thought it was too soon as he'd only just started to write, but quiteglad now as they both seem to be natural 'joiners'. Still not sure I get why they have to join EVERY letter!

I mean Year 1

Hi all,

We have just moved primary schools due to moving house and when I toured the school it seemed very effective, they even told me about a 'gifted' program (which we most likely won't be needing!) but also they have a considerable amount of resources put towards kids with special needs - one teacher each child, I think which is excellent for these parents.

However I am really concerned (albeit only day four) that I've made a mistake in moving.

Old school: Year one did reading with every child, every day and did key words each week (to memorise) and also spellings (spell 'test' on Wednesdays). Change books as often as the child wanted to, and reading always noted in school record book for parents and teachers.

New school: changes books ONCE a week (are they KIDDING?!) does NO key words and NO spellings and your child may be heard (only 'MAY') reading once a week.

I am absolutely crushed. Have just phoned Hampshire County Council to find out if I am being unreasonable in hoping for a similar standard of care and education between two schools in the same county. They said to speak to the Head but I don't wish to get the teachers told off or imply I'm unhappy - just want to know what is a fair and reasonable expectation.

If you have a Year 1 child would you be really really kind and let me know if I am overreacting or if you also think that key words, spellings, reading every day help a child to learn and remember all they are learning.

Yours regretting having moved and now seriously considering driving the 30 minutes to old school (would be rather embarrasing to go back after only a few days but who cares!).

Thanks so much for any advice or help.
M
xxx

Melanie, have you looked at their ofsted / league table results? If they're good, as good as your old school, then I wouldn't worry. They're just using a different method - i.e. doing the good work with the kids in school rather than relying on parents to do it at home. It can often be a sign of a good school that they don't give a lot to do at home.

Dd's school is classed as ofsted 'excellent' and has very good league table results. She changes her reading book once a week and is heard to read by the teacher once a week too, with notes and suggestions passing between us in the reading diary. They get a few spellings to learn over the weekend but no 'key words' although I know they learn key words in class because dd's told me.

I know from what dd tells me that they read in class every day in terms of activities / carpet time things, rather than sitting with a book and the teacher. Lots of people don't believe in there being any point in taking spellings home as apparently it doesn't help kids to spell correctly long term.

Most importantly perhaps how is your dd / ds enjoying it there?

I read with dd every day, either her school reading book or the story book she brings home or one of our own books. So you can do that part for yourself if you're happy with everything else about the school?