Reading issues in one of my second grade Scouts - say something to the parents?

[Anonymous]

I'm a Scout leader and one of my second graders is still not really reading. It's VERY obvious how much farther behind they are than all of their same age peers. I'm happy to modify activities for them (do reading activities in buddies, give kids the option to write a response or draw a picture response, etc.), but wonder if I have an obligation as a "trusted adult" in their lives to mention what I'm observing to their parents. I would assume the parents already know, but it feels like the risk of assuming that is high since this child is almost in third grade and it's getting late for them to fully catch up. I also know it's not my business, but generally my Scout parents let me know if their child has any special issues that would be relevant to their participation (and reading definitely is - we have a lot of activities that require reading and I have to change activity plans to accommodate this child).

Should I mind my own business to avoid risking overstepping? Or is it appropriate in my role to mention it? I'd only say, "hey, I'm sure you're aware and I don't need any more details, but just wanted to flag for you that Larlo's reading level seems pretty behind the other kids and he seems to be struggling a bit. Just wanted to let you know as his Scout leader."

[Anonymous]

Is the kid homeschooled? If so, maybe. If not, I think his teacher would serve this role.

[Anonymous]

Do not say anything. They know.
I was a GS leader for 2 years and there was very little reading they had to do. Tailor the activities to work for all kids.

[Anonymous]

MYOB - this is the teacher’s responsibility

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Is the kid homeschooled? If so, maybe. If not, I think his teacher would serve this role.

+1

[Anonymous]

OP here. Not homeschooled, but at a very laid back charter, with very laid back parents. I'm happy to tailor activities, and I do already, just wanted to crowdsource a bit because I do feel a responsibility to a child who's been my Scout for 3 years already and would feel terribly guilty if I heard later that they wish they had known.

[Anonymous]

My DS was not reading in second grade. We knew there was an issue. I would not have been angry if you brought it up but if you are asking for my opinion...no. Keep doing what you are doing to accommodate him. Scouts was wonderful for my dyslexic son. He could excel without the struggles he faced at school.

[Anonymous]

There’s no way you know more about his reading abilities than his teachers, no matter how laid back the school. I’m sure his parents know. The only thing I can think for you to do is ask them to help him read the passages he needs to know in the scout manual, etc. Scouts should not require reading at this age. Kids with significant disabilities can be successful in Scouts.

[Anonymous]

The parents know. People will occasionally say something to me about my child, which just confirms things I already know. I do notice instructors modify less for him over time (he's 8 now) as they expect him to figure things out or work things out on his own, and he is now somewhat reading or memorizing passages. He's mildly dyslexic.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:MYOB - this is the teacher’s responsibility

This. WTH is wrong with you

[Anonymous]

Thanks captain obvious but no you should not mention it

[Anonymous]

I don’t know, should I tell the parents of my one legged Girl Scout that I think she might have had her leg amputated at some point?

[Anonymous]

I wouldn’t be offended if it were my kid. Maybe phrase it in a questioning way asking for parental input in how best to modify activities to accommodate the scout. I.e: I noticed that your scout is struggling with the reading/writing involved in some of our activities. I want to ensure they feel fully included and engaged in our activities. Here is what I’m doing- is this working for them. Or are there any specific things I can do to ensure they feel fully included?

[Anonymous]

IMHO, this is a subject on which DCUM is crazier than usual.

I think you should broach it gently. There's a good chance that they know, in which case, there's really no harm, but on the other hand, I keep running into people who, in fact, did not know that their kid was significantly behind until XYZ happened. Schools and teachers are notorious for being unclear in their communications, even if they are willing at all to communicate that a child has challenges that, from the school's perspective, will require the school to put out more effort.

[Anonymous]

How much reading are you doing in Scouts??? And is the reading grade appropriate?

I was a GS leader for years and we rarely read things - hands-on, talking, things like scavenger hunts were pictures, and if an activity did require reading then 8 just read out loud or summarized or the like.