I know I shouldn't worry ...but ability groups..

[pinktortoise]

Ds just been back a week and in Year 2. He is happy and enthusiastic about his new class. He tells me that he is on the "yellow" table and it is clear that this is the lowest one!
Not sure if it is just a reading thing or for maths literacy etc.
He is a bright boy and progressing well but maybe not the quickest at picking up new things.
I don't know why I find it such an issue. Maybe as myself and dh were good at school thought it would just follow? Doesn't help that there are no other boys on this table - they all seem to be on "top" table?
I guess when he is in his twenties and doing whatever then I will think why did I spend so much time worrying!!!

do check - it could be set that there is one table that requires more input and help. My DD is on such a table despite being the top child in her year. Because she has some minor SN and needs a little help...

If he is happy in his new class then that's a good thing. Try not to let him sense your dissapointment. You should get a chance to see the new teacher soon so you can check it out with her/him. They might be mixing abilities or just finding out what level each child is working at. Also if he is bright but needing some extra input to grasp new concepts then that could be the reason.

It may be for just maths or just literacy, or something that may be holding him back. Of course you worry, but may not be anything to worry about in the longer term iykwim.

My two have both been in bottom groups at various times and have turned out fine. If it does bother you, no reason why you can't pop in and ask the teacher if there are any issues

you could be talking about my son. He has also just gone into year 2 and on the support table. This is not because he is thick but because he does need extra help to focus sometimes. ds1 was also on this table in year 1 and year 2 and is now flying so I really wouldnt worry about it.

Just keep the lines of communication open with his teacher and ask if there is anything you can do to support at home.

My DS is in year two and is on the 'lowest' ability table and has been since year 1. He's got it all going on in the head but can't seem to concentrate and doesn't enjoy reading/writing yet. I do worry about the influence of some of the others as he is easily distracted and he is aware that his is the 'lowest' as well.

PinkT, there may be other reasons why he's been put on that table. He might be able to concentrate better with the other children, work may be to his current ability or it's physically closer to teacher so she/he can keep an eye more often on them. ?

I used to give a child easier work for a while if their confidence was low in Maths/Literacy for eg. It's better to grasp the foundations, review, reinforce before pushing on to harder stuff.

Ask the teacher and don't stress. Ask your son what goes on also. ( I know getting info from dc's can be a bit skewed but it's worth finding out.)

The children will be grouped differently for maths than literacy though because obviously some children will be strong in one but not the other.the rest of the time they might well be on a mixed ability table.
TBH I doubt an all-girl table is the lowest ability one.
When my DS was in infants he was on the lowest ability table but is now doing very well at a grammar school

I'd have a little chat with teacher at the school gate, I've found that the lowest table tends to be a nightmare, you have a horrid mix of children with literacy problems etc mixing with those who just need a bit more time to pick things up. This tends to turn into a nightmare for all those involved, they are two very different problems.

My friends daughter, top of the class, was put there to be a good influence to those with behaviour issues, maybe helpful for teacher, but not the best for my friends daughter. I wouldn't worry about asking questions, end of the day it's your child's education, you need to know what's happening to help him make the best of his school time.

I am an academic teacher with a decent publications record- my ds has hovered around the lowest ability groups since he started school. And I am PLEASED. Because it I've come to realise that my expectations were irrelevant, this is about making sure that he gets the level of teaching that he needs, and that his confidence is not dinted by having to compete against children with totally different abilities.

Thankyou for all responses. I know that he is fine and have every confidence in his teacher deciding what is best. Being honest I know that really it is a matter of my expectations and keeping it all in perspective!! So thankyou for helping me do so!

very mature attitude Cory

Well said Cory

And, just had the ability-group talk from dd's Y1 teacher this morning (no idea which she's in!) and it really does makes sense that groups at this age mean nothing in the long run. Simply the best way for kids to work in small groups.