Reading level….

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My child was similarly struggling in 1st grade. We did decide we needed to switch from our neighborhood public to a private school that teaches with the orton gillingham method. Though my child is still behind where I think he should be, things are starting to click for him thanks to the emphasis on phonics. We’ve shelved our balanced literacy/leveled reading materials and don’t use them anymore.

I agree. Kids recognize early when they are deficient and their peers do as well. It’s important for them to feel confident. That’s one of the benefits of a SN school because most children struggle with something.

[Anonymous]

Bashing the parents is key, right? To be clear, I grew up advanced and reading way above grade level and no one ever read one book to me at home! That said, I agree it’s the instruction more than anything or maybe the child has another underlying issue. If the child is working to their capacity, there are other issues.

[Anonymous]

Trust your instinct over any learning specialist at a private school. They are not always honest or have the expertise to tell you if you should or shouldn't have your child assessed. If you have concerns, have your child assessed. In the mean time get a reading tutor going.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My first grader might be a little ahead, but she is reading Greek Myths from the Classic Starts collection. Not sure what level that is, but it says grade 2-4.

https://www.amazon.com/Classic-Starts®-Greek-Myths/dp/1402773129

This is cool. My Pre-K just read a few pages in here.

[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.

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.

+1. “Read out loud to them an hour a day for 16 years and it will come.”

Yikes.