2 years difference in writing and reading

[Student58]

DS has 2 years difference in reading and writing levels - his reading is now age appropriate but his writing is 2 years behind and is behind in all areas - handwriting, spelling, punctation and grammar, he can't describe anything...Is this usual? He is Year 4 and 8 nearly 9, writing has been graded as working at year 2 level. I am worried that he will slip further behind as he doesn't like working at home.

When they eventually go back what should the school be doing to help him catch up as at the moment all he seems to do is have special writing paper and extra spellings (which he doesn't learn.)? He hasn't taken in or understood phonics, and has learnt to read by sight reading - however he hasn't found his own way with spellings yet. He also had a speech delay as a toddler and still says some words slightly wrong - you don't really notice until he sounds them out but it impacts his spelling.

Anyone have any suggestions as to what he could do to help at home? He has massive issues around self confidence having always been told his writing isn't good enough so he isn't very open to home learning.

How is your DS with maths and science? Does he find that easier? Could you consider / afford a special tutor to build up his confidence? Are you reading to him - taking it in turns to read a line or paragraph or page or whatever. My yr 4 is also behind but we get through reading my sharing it so he doesn’t feel overwhelmed. During this C19 nightmare, I have also gone back to yr2 comprehensions. That has built up some confidence. Does your DS have any SEN provision? Has he been seen by an Ed Psych? My DS has bad handwriting so we have taught him to touch type which really helps. Have you thought of audio books for him? We do that as well - so at least he can (somewhat) keep up with his peers on material.

Our DS does see a tutor outside school - and she reminded me that it doesn’t take 10 years for a child to learn to read and write. He needs to build up his confidence first and then hopefully the rest will start to fall in place.

In the same place here. Gifted child working way behind in writing Maybe year 2 level but reading is at level year 4 or maybe even ahead. Have you had an Educational psychologist assessment? Would say worth it if you can, showed our child wasn’t just lazy or dramatic but has specific learning difficulties whilst being very high IQ.

Typing helps - nessy fingers. Poor phonological awareness is a flag for dyslexia too (my child has this too and was late to read but basically learnt all words by sight and as a result spelling is v hard)

Sorry haven’t got all the answers but I’m scribing for my child and trying to take the pressure off and getting a sentence a day if u can also typing

Good luck