Reply to First-grader writing skills

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Reply to "First-grader writing skills - wow "

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]There are two issues here. One is that some of the kids are entering 1st grade well above grade level. That is what it is and as a parent of another kid, I would not focus on this. Some of those kids likely just took to reading/writing early and their proficiency snowballed -- this happens with kids for whom reading "clicks" during kindergarten and may not be parent driven. Other kids have likely been pushed hard by parents via extra tutoring, at-home phonics lessons, etc., to get to that level. Either way, that's a path those other kids are on and it should not concern you because, again, that's well above grade level.

The real issue is whether OP's son is below grade level for writing and potentially reading (it might just be writing, but also these go hand in hand and improved proficiency in reading can also help with spelling and writing fluency as kids become more familiar and comfortable with a larger vocabulary). I would be looking for fun activities you can do at home that will allow him to work on writing/spelling, maybe looking into phonics-based programs that might be engaging for him. The thing about switching direction of numbers could be a sign of a learning disability or could be normal development -- this is the age where it can be hard to tell because reversals are common for kids still working to proficiency. One thing to look for is whether this is something that is improving (like he used to always do it and now he only does it 30% of the time), which indicates that it's something he's moving past and I'd just keep doing what you're doing, especially if his math skills are good. But if it's not improving, yes, I would seek to have him tested for dyslexia and dysgraphia. If he qualifies, having those diagnoses at this stage is so much more useful than waiting until 3rd or 4th. He would be able to incorporate skills coaching into his foundational language and math learning, which will help him avoid additional problems down the road.

[b]I often think they should do screening tests for these issues in 1st grade, not the full test but a basic screening that would indicate whether someone needs the full test[/b], because early intervention for dyslexia/dysgraphia is amazing -- not only can it essentially solve these issues for kids, but it also avoids the stigma that children sometimes experience with later diagnosis, and the negative self-talk that can get in the way of not just overcoming these problems but having a positive attitude toward school and learning generally.

Please don't listen to the "don't worry about it, you're kid is fine" posters. Yes, your kid is fine. That doesn't mean he couldn't use some help here! He's 6 -- he should get any support he needs.[/quote]
They do.  Kids in Virginia are given both the PALS and DIEBELS screening tests.[/quote]

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