Ds started reading in his head - good or bad thing?

[gleegeekgleek]

Possibly a stupid question....
Ds is in reception and has started reading in his head rather than out loud some of the time. I have asked him questions to check he is reading whatever properly and it seems he is but it makes it harder to tell.

I guess this is something most children naturally start doing at some stage. At this age though, should I ask him to read aloud instead (I will definitely do this with his school reading scheme books)so I can check he's getting it right or be happy he is doing this?

He's on orange level books in NC book bands. Doesn't do ORT at the moment but could probably do level 7 if that's relevant.

I started doing this quite early and was worried because I thought you had to read out loud... Perhaps a bit of both? Ask him if he'll read you a story but let him read for himself too?

As long as he is actually reading the book and not just pending to, then I think it's fine. I always get DD to read school books out loud, because it's good practice and she needs to do it at school. But when she's at home with her own books, the choice is hers.

I wouldn't worry, just make sure he does still practise reading out loud from time to time, as it is a different skill.

OK sounds fine then.
He definitely was reading it. I did wonder if he's started doing it as he is quite a self-conscious little chap generally or is it just a natural development?

i remember my dad begging me to read quietly when i was about the same age ... never thought about it before then.