Another Reading question, sorry!

[mimmum]

Sorry to post yet another Reading question. Dd is finding learning to read hard and isn't progressing as fast as the other children in her class. I don't like the Reading scheme they use as a lot of words can't be sounded out. Dd then gets confused as she guesses a lot and then trys to guess words she can sound out as well. The teacher has said dd should keep each book for a week even though others in class change book daily, she thinks this will help dd. I don't really agree as I find after a couple of readings, it actually encourages her to guess even more. What do you think about keeping books this long is it helpful? I have asked about moving dd to a more phonic based scheme which school does have but they won't. So frustrated she is in reception btw. Thanks

They are v short books btw.

I'd keep trying to get her on to a more phonic based scheme, or perhaps you can get some of those books yourself from libraries or bookshops (there are lots of different phonic schemes available, and you can buy the books individually).

I'm worried about doing it myself and getting it wrong. I'm happy to read school books and follow their lead. Surely the school should set direction and teach dd to read? If I do get own books what pace should I go at?

She would be better on the phonic scheme as all that happens when they keep the books longer is they end up memorising them but are not actually reading. My dd was finally moved onto a more phonic scheme about 2 months ago and she finds it a lot better and is less frustrated. However it has taken 3 years! (she is dyslexic and school suppportive but just don't quite agree with me re importance of phonics)

ELC sell a whole load of phonic stuff. You can always do it at home along side what the school are doing.
All phonics are is the letter sound. So A is sounded as aa, D is du. You should be able to find all kinds of help on line with pictures for the sounds and the actions you can learn for recognition.

Yes, the school should definitely be using a decodable books scheme alongside the synthetic phonics programme which I presume they are using in class.

If they are using predictive/repetitive text books with their beginning readers then the school is still using mixed methods, not synthetic phonics.

There's lots of helpful information about using decodable books (and why) on this page plus a selection of the best schemes. Perhaps you could print it out and pass it to your school?

www.aowm73.dsl.pipex.com/dyslexics/resources_and_further_11.htm

mimmum what reading scheme is the school using?

many schools are stuck with non phonics reading schemes simply because they spent thousands buying reading schemes and can't afford to replace them just yet a sad fact of school budgets

They do have a phonic based reading scheme which they do use for some of the children, but for some reason they think they will be too hard for dd. I disagree I think they would be easier!

My dd had Rigby Star books. I think they are fantastic! My dd really progressed with these. I think they are quite a new scheme and dd's class only had one stage. She is now reading Oxford reading tree, which I don't think is as good or helpful.
She's in reception too.
Bee

Rigby Star Phonics are really good books for beginner readers

Thanks for the replies, I guess I'll just have to get some phonics books for home. I just get a bit frustrated as I think why can't the school be more effective in helping dd learn to read, oh well!

I think school plays a part in the learning to read process but me and my husband have done a heck of a lot of work at home (ie we read with her at least 5 days out of 7). The Rigby Star books really show the parent/helper how to help the child.
Bee

Well you can see why children who don't have help at home run the risk of being illiterate.

I've just signed up to readingchest.co.uk
for my Reception DD. You can specifically chose phonic schemes, including Rigby Star Phonics, for your 'booklist'. They have an amazing range of books - and newer titles than at DD's school.

Thanks for the tip I will definately give Reading chest try.