Reading level….

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Don’t listen to parents saying your kid just needs more practice. If your child is at Level B in the second half of 1st grade, there is a problem. You need to investigate to find out where the problem originates- is it a learning difficulty and/or an instruction problem. Do not wait. Start asking lots of questions, ask the reading specialist for an assessment, or get a private evaluation. A child’s confidence will be crushed if they get to 2nd grade and can’t read. You don’t want to have two years of catch up.

Investigation will come eventually. OP needs a phonics-based intervention right now, because phonics is the solution whether the culprit is poor instruction or dyslexia. A tutor using an O-G method starts with an assessment of ability.

OP, contact ASDEC as soon as possible. Lab School also has O-G tutors for hire. Many public school reading specialists moonlight as tutors and they actually have the training to make a difference. Just make sure that whoever you hire has training in Orton-Gillingham or its spinoffs Wilson or Barton.

[Anonymous]

Parent of three older kids: Being an advanced reader (or not) doesn't matter in 1st grade. It all comes together later.

Certainly, as a parent, you want to make sure you aren't missing an issue (such as dyslexia) but know most of the time you are not. Work with your kid's teacher who will monitor for you and read with kid yourself to see if you notice any read flags.

But mostly, focus on getting your kid to LOVE reading. Go to the library, read books aloud, model reading behavior (put down your phone and pick up a book!), talk about what you are reading at dinner, explore different topics (fiction, non-fiction, biographies, cookbooks, mysteries, newspapers, graphic novels). Most kids who are behind their peers can sense that and it becomes sort of a downward cycle of nerves, feelings of failure and non-enjoyment. Focus on how fun it is to read a good book rather than stressing them out inadvertently that they are hitting some milestone. You and they will never remember what level they were reading at in first grade but you absolutely will remember reading a favorite book together.

A love to read is one of the greatest gifts you can give your kid that will serve them throughout life. A human with a book won't be lonely or bored.

FWIW, I still read aloud to my high schoolers and my college-age kid talks about favorite books we read together when he was little. (lest you accuse me of seeing through rose-colored glasses, they also don't remember the picture book we read DAILY when in preschool and two of three profess not having much time to read for fun anymore). But hopefully reading will serve them well in the long-term.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Parent of three older kids: Being an advanced reader (or not) doesn't matter in 1st grade. It all comes together later.

Certainly, as a parent, you want to make sure you aren't missing an issue (such as dyslexia) but know most of the time you are not. Work with your kid's teacher who will monitor for you and read with kid yourself to see if you notice any read flags.

But mostly, focus on getting your kid to LOVE reading. Go to the library, read books aloud, model reading behavior (put down your phone and pick up a book!), talk about what you are reading at dinner, explore different topics (fiction, non-fiction, biographies, cookbooks, mysteries, newspapers, graphic novels). Most kids who are behind their peers can sense that and it becomes sort of a downward cycle of nerves, feelings of failure and non-enjoyment. Focus on how fun it is to read a good book rather than stressing them out inadvertently that they are hitting some milestone. You and they will never remember what level they were reading at in first grade but you absolutely will remember reading a favorite book together.

A love to read is one of the greatest gifts you can give your kid that will serve them throughout life. A human with a book won't be lonely or bored.

FWIW, I still read aloud to my high schoolers and my college-age kid talks about favorite books we read together when he was little. (lest you accuse me of seeing through rose-colored glasses, they also don't remember the picture book we read DAILY when in preschool and two of three profess not having much time to read for fun anymore). But hopefully reading will serve them well in the long-term.

Of course it doesn't matter if OP's kid is advanced. But OP's kid is BEHIND. Like, quite a bit.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Parent of three older kids: Being an advanced reader (or not) doesn't matter in 1st grade. It all comes together later.

Certainly, as a parent, you want to make sure you aren't missing an issue (such as dyslexia) but know most of the time you are not. Work with your kid's teacher who will monitor for you and read with kid yourself to see if you notice any read flags.

But mostly, focus on getting your kid to LOVE reading. Go to the library, read books aloud, model reading behavior (put down your phone and pick up a book!), talk about what you are reading at dinner, explore different topics (fiction, non-fiction, biographies, cookbooks, mysteries, newspapers, graphic novels). Most kids who are behind their peers can sense that and it becomes sort of a downward cycle of nerves, feelings of failure and non-enjoyment. Focus on how fun it is to read a good book rather than stressing them out inadvertently that they are hitting some milestone. You and they will never remember what level they were reading at in first grade but you absolutely will remember reading a favorite book together.

A love to read is one of the greatest gifts you can give your kid that will serve them throughout life. A human with a book won't be lonely or bored.

FWIW, I still read aloud to my high schoolers and my college-age kid talks about favorite books we read together when he was little. (lest you accuse me of seeing through rose-colored glasses, they also don't remember the picture book we read DAILY when in preschool and two of three profess not having much time to read for fun anymore). But hopefully reading will serve them well in the long-term.

Of course it doesn't matter if OP's kid is advanced. But OP's kid is BEHIND. Like, quite a bit.

Again, even "BEHIND" as you say doesn't matter as long as no big underlying issue (which I mention in my post: work with teacher to make sure you are not missing something). Any teacher I have ever talked with has said it doesn't matter as long as they get there by 3rd grade or so. More important to get them to love reading. The rest will come.

[Anonymous]

I agree with the previous poster. This isn’t an issue of not being advanced. The child is far behind and has a lot of catch up to do which can shake their confidence and impact their ability to complete schoolwork in other subjects. Reading is needed to learn and this child is far behind (more than a year) in “learning to read.” The red flags are there and I can’t believe the teacher or school hasn’t raised concerns yet.

[Anonymous]

Can you afford to throw money at the problem? If you can then immediately pay for Lindamood Bell program where it is intensive one in one tutoring for 2-3 hours a day. If you start soon your child will be in grade level by second grade. It’s so much better to remediate now than later. Level B is really, really low for the middle of first grade.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Parent of three older kids: Being an advanced reader (or not) doesn't matter in 1st grade. It all comes together later.

Certainly, as a parent, you want to make sure you aren't missing an issue (such as dyslexia) but know most of the time you are not. Work with your kid's teacher who will monitor for you and read with kid yourself to see if you notice any read flags.

But mostly, focus on getting your kid to LOVE reading. Go to the library, read books aloud, model reading behavior (put down your phone and pick up a book!), talk about what you are reading at dinner, explore different topics (fiction, non-fiction, biographies, cookbooks, mysteries, newspapers, graphic novels). Most kids who are behind their peers can sense that and it becomes sort of a downward cycle of nerves, feelings of failure and non-enjoyment. Focus on how fun it is to read a good book rather than stressing them out inadvertently that they are hitting some milestone. You and they will never remember what level they were reading at in first grade but you absolutely will remember reading a favorite book together.

A love to read is one of the greatest gifts you can give your kid that will serve them throughout life. A human with a book won't be lonely or bored.

FWIW, I still read aloud to my high schoolers and my college-age kid talks about favorite books we read together when he was little. (lest you accuse me of seeing through rose-colored glasses, they also don't remember the picture book we read DAILY when in preschool and two of three profess not having much time to read for fun anymore). But hopefully reading will serve them well in the long-term.

Of course it doesn't matter if OP's kid is advanced. But OP's kid is BEHIND. Like, quite a bit.

Again, even "BEHIND" as you say doesn't matter as long as no big underlying issue (which I mention in my post: work with teacher to make sure you are not missing something). Any teacher I have ever talked with has said it doesn't matter as long as they get there by 3rd grade or so. More important to get them to love reading. The rest will come.

The issue is catching up before they are counseled out. OPs kid is at a popular private not a parochial school or a public.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Parent of three older kids: Being an advanced reader (or not) doesn't matter in 1st grade. It all comes together later.

Certainly, as a parent, you want to make sure you aren't missing an issue (such as dyslexia) but know most of the time you are not. Work with your kid's teacher who will monitor for you and read with kid yourself to see if you notice any read flags.

But mostly, focus on getting your kid to LOVE reading. Go to the library, read books aloud, model reading behavior (put down your phone and pick up a book!), talk about what you are reading at dinner, explore different topics (fiction, non-fiction, biographies, cookbooks, mysteries, newspapers, graphic novels). Most kids who are behind their peers can sense that and it becomes sort of a downward cycle of nerves, feelings of failure and non-enjoyment. Focus on how fun it is to read a good book rather than stressing them out inadvertently that they are hitting some milestone. You and they will never remember what level they were reading at in first grade but you absolutely will remember reading a favorite book together.

A love to read is one of the greatest gifts you can give your kid that will serve them throughout life. A human with a book won't be lonely or bored.

FWIW, I still read aloud to my high schoolers and my college-age kid talks about favorite books we read together when he was little. (lest you accuse me of seeing through rose-colored glasses, they also don't remember the picture book we read DAILY when in preschool and two of three profess not having much time to read for fun anymore). But hopefully reading will serve them well in the long-term.

I'm sorry, but this is not helpful advice at all. Of course, you should read to your kids, visit libraries, model reading behavior, etc. But the best way to make reading fun for your child is to get them proper support and instruction so that they can read confidently and independently. If your child is being assessed using F&P levels, then they are not getting good instruction. They might learn how to read in spite of that--some kids do, but many don't.

We need to stop telling parents "read more to your child" That's not the problem here; the instruction is the problem.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Parent of three older kids: Being an advanced reader (or not) doesn't matter in 1st grade. It all comes together later.

Certainly, as a parent, you want to make sure you aren't missing an issue (such as dyslexia) but know most of the time you are not. Work with your kid's teacher who will monitor for you and read with kid yourself to see if you notice any read flags.

But mostly, focus on getting your kid to LOVE reading. Go to the library, read books aloud, model reading behavior (put down your phone and pick up a book!), talk about what you are reading at dinner, explore different topics (fiction, non-fiction, biographies, cookbooks, mysteries, newspapers, graphic novels). Most kids who are behind their peers can sense that and it becomes sort of a downward cycle of nerves, feelings of failure and non-enjoyment. Focus on how fun it is to read a good book rather than stressing them out inadvertently that they are hitting some milestone. You and they will never remember what level they were reading at in first grade but you absolutely will remember reading a favorite book together.

A love to read is one of the greatest gifts you can give your kid that will serve them throughout life. A human with a book won't be lonely or bored.

FWIW, I still read aloud to my high schoolers and my college-age kid talks about favorite books we read together when he was little. (lest you accuse me of seeing through rose-colored glasses, they also don't remember the picture book we read DAILY when in preschool and two of three profess not having much time to read for fun anymore). But hopefully reading will serve them well in the long-term.

I'm sorry, but this is not helpful advice at all. Of course, you should read to your kids, visit libraries, model reading behavior, etc. But the best way to make reading fun for your child is to get them proper support and instruction so that they can read confidently and independently. If your child is being assessed using F&P levels, then they are not getting good instruction. They might learn how to read in spite of that--some kids do, but many don't.

We need to stop telling parents "read more to your child" That's not the problem here; the instruction is the problem.

I respectfully disagree. The kid is at a highly regarded school. The teachers are excellent and the instruction is at least good. By all means, continue to talk with the teacher (and learning specialist) if your parental gut says something is off. But my experience has been, as long as the kid is reading outside of school, these things work themselves out.

To be clear, I am not blaming parents but rather trying to lower the temperature. Most parents of older kids would look back at many first-grade events that seem like crises and realize they are not - and there is some concern about adding additional stress to kids' lives.

OP, you have both perspectives. Good luck and best to your kid.

[Anonymous]

Another piece of info, my severely dyslexic kid was “ reading” level d at end of k and J at end of 1st. B is like looking at pictures and guessing what is written, I don’t see how anyone can consider that progress after a yr and a half of instruction. Not trying to be negative, but strongly suggest you look into it.
Also, any school using f and p should not be highly regarded. It is not a quality curriculum and does not benefit children at all.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Parent of three older kids: Being an advanced reader (or not) doesn't matter in 1st grade. It all comes together later.

Certainly, as a parent, you want to make sure you aren't missing an issue (such as dyslexia) but know most of the time you are not. Work with your kid's teacher who will monitor for you and read with kid yourself to see if you notice any read flags.

But mostly, focus on getting your kid to LOVE reading. Go to the library, read books aloud, model reading behavior (put down your phone and pick up a book!), talk about what you are reading at dinner, explore different topics (fiction, non-fiction, biographies, cookbooks, mysteries, newspapers, graphic novels). Most kids who are behind their peers can sense that and it becomes sort of a downward cycle of nerves, feelings of failure and non-enjoyment. Focus on how fun it is to read a good book rather than stressing them out inadvertently that they are hitting some milestone. You and they will never remember what level they were reading at in first grade but you absolutely will remember reading a favorite book together.

A love to read is one of the greatest gifts you can give your kid that will serve them throughout life. A human with a book won't be lonely or bored.

FWIW, I still read aloud to my high schoolers and my college-age kid talks about favorite books we read together when he was little. (lest you accuse me of seeing through rose-colored glasses, they also don't remember the picture book we read DAILY when in preschool and two of three profess not having much time to read for fun anymore). But hopefully reading will serve them well in the long-term.

I am going to second this OP. 100% This

[Anonymous]

I’ve worked within schools and as an outside tutor. Level B is the reading level target for kindergarten students in winter. At this point in first grade, the target is level H. With a child a full year behind reading target, I’d recommend support—2-3x/week intervention with an Orton-Gillingham or OG-based curriculum. Some schools provide this support, while others will expect you to engage an outside tutor.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Parent of three older kids: Being an advanced reader (or not) doesn't matter in 1st grade. It all comes together later.

Certainly, as a parent, you want to make sure you aren't missing an issue (such as dyslexia) but know most of the time you are not. Work with your kid's teacher who will monitor for you and read with kid yourself to see if you notice any read flags.

But mostly, focus on getting your kid to LOVE reading. Go to the library, read books aloud, model reading behavior (put down your phone and pick up a book!), talk about what you are reading at dinner, explore different topics (fiction, non-fiction, biographies, cookbooks, mysteries, newspapers, graphic novels). Most kids who are behind their peers can sense that and it becomes sort of a downward cycle of nerves, feelings of failure and non-enjoyment. Focus on how fun it is to read a good book rather than stressing them out inadvertently that they are hitting some milestone. You and they will never remember what level they were reading at in first grade but you absolutely will remember reading a favorite book together.

A love to read is one of the greatest gifts you can give your kid that will serve them throughout life. A human with a book won't be lonely or bored.

FWIW, I still read aloud to my high schoolers and my college-age kid talks about favorite books we read together when he was little. (lest you accuse me of seeing through rose-colored glasses, they also don't remember the picture book we read DAILY when in preschool and two of three profess not having much time to read for fun anymore). But hopefully reading will serve them well in the long-term.

Your post is irrelevant to kids who cannot decode or sound out soundable words AND are not getting an effective ELA pedagogy from their school.

That’s great your kids reverse engineered decoding themselves and memorized sight works, suffixed and prefixes. But nothing to do with the many private and public schools failing their k-4 students in reading skills.

Throwing books at kids and reading aloud to them doesn’t cut it. For the former they continue to misread and skip words, for the latter they what a nice story and hopefully some new vocab.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Parent of three older kids: Being an advanced reader (or not) doesn't matter in 1st grade. It all comes together later.

Certainly, as a parent, you want to make sure you aren't missing an issue (such as dyslexia) but know most of the time you are not. Work with your kid's teacher who will monitor for you and read with kid yourself to see if you notice any read flags.

But mostly, focus on getting your kid to LOVE reading. Go to the library, read books aloud, model reading behavior (put down your phone and pick up a book!), talk about what you are reading at dinner, explore different topics (fiction, non-fiction, biographies, cookbooks, mysteries, newspapers, graphic novels). Most kids who are behind their peers can sense that and it becomes sort of a downward cycle of nerves, feelings of failure and non-enjoyment. Focus on how fun it is to read a good book rather than stressing them out inadvertently that they are hitting some milestone. You and they will never remember what level they were reading at in first grade but you absolutely will remember reading a favorite book together.

A love to read is one of the greatest gifts you can give your kid that will serve them throughout life. A human with a book won't be lonely or bored.

FWIW, I still read aloud to my high schoolers and my college-age kid talks about favorite books we read together when he was little. (lest you accuse me of seeing through rose-colored glasses, they also don't remember the picture book we read DAILY when in preschool and two of three profess not having much time to read for fun anymore). But hopefully reading will serve them well in the long-term.

This is good advice for the beginning of K. Not half way through 1st.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Parent of three older kids: Being an advanced reader (or not) doesn't matter in 1st grade. It all comes together later.

Certainly, as a parent, you want to make sure you aren't missing an issue (such as dyslexia) but know most of the time you are not. Work with your kid's teacher who will monitor for you and read with kid yourself to see if you notice any read flags.

But mostly, focus on getting your kid to LOVE reading. Go to the library, read books aloud, model reading behavior (put down your phone and pick up a book!), talk about what you are reading at dinner, explore different topics (fiction, non-fiction, biographies, cookbooks, mysteries, newspapers, graphic novels). Most kids who are behind their peers can sense that and it becomes sort of a downward cycle of nerves, feelings of failure and non-enjoyment. Focus on how fun it is to read a good book rather than stressing them out inadvertently that they are hitting some milestone. You and they will never remember what level they were reading at in first grade but you absolutely will remember reading a favorite book together.

A love to read is one of the greatest gifts you can give your kid that will serve them throughout life. A human with a book won't be lonely or bored.

FWIW, I still read aloud to my high schoolers and my college-age kid talks about favorite books we read together when he was little. (lest you accuse me of seeing through rose-colored glasses, they also don't remember the picture book we read DAILY when in preschool and two of three profess not having much time to read for fun anymore). But hopefully reading will serve them well in the long-term.

This is Lucy Calkins BS. It's easier to love things you are good at doing. Competency before love. Kids who can't read will have a hard time doing a lot of other stuff too.