Are they expected to know how to read by the time they enter K in MCPS? I don't think that is true, but they do expect them to be able to learn to read within the year of K.

I have a neighbor whose kid is in first grade at Oakland Terrace and she still can't read very well, and she is not being sent to "special classes" to make up for this, that I know of. She was also in county funded preschool before K.

So, I think the ideal MCPS strives for is for all kids to be fluent readers in first grade (at level, of course, but fluent) but the reality they face because of various factors is different form the ideal.

Its not so easy this education thing.

Prior to going into K last year, my son definately knew letters and sounds and there were a some words he would read (if asked).

Within maybe 2 months of K, he was suprising me with how well he could read. Definately by X-mas, he was picking up and reading early reader books.

He had taken a 1x a week reading class during his last few months of daycare/preschool (before summer). At the time, it didn't seem like he was getting any of it because he showed no inclination to read (on his own) at home. But, now I wonder if he really was picking it up and was able to quickly apply his skills in K.

My child goes to a private school, so it might be a bit different. It's a school that stresses teaching at a developmentally appropriate level. The head of school said our kids would be reading better at the end of the year than they are now, but that they don't expect any sort of fluency in kindergarten. That is expected at the end of first grade. Similar to what PP said, early reading ability is not an indicator of later Fluency. Kids seem to even out around 3 rd grade, and it's then you'll start noticing who pulls ahead or not. So even if your child isn't reading a whole book this year, he or she might be a super star in a few years.

My child didn't really learn to read until 1st grade, he is now in second grade and is reading above grade level. And no one had a heart attack and died.

There are children, including mine, who exit kindergarten knowing some sight words, but not reading fluently. It's OK. I've asked.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:In MoCo everyone is expected to read in kindergarten.

Don't worry OP, this poster is a troll

No, not a troll. Reading is one of the things MCPS teaches in kindergarten. It's unusual for a child to come out of kindergarten not reading.

I actually read your post as everyone is expected to know how to read upon entering K... my mistake..

Anonymous wrote:If your child entered Kindergarten knowing the alphabet well, knowing the sounds the letters make, and reading a few sight words did they learn to read in Kindergarten? If so when during the year were they really able to pick up a book and read it?

My son was exactly here last year when entering K, and he graduated at level L or M, which is well above the expected K level. I would say things progressed relatively slowly the first couple months and really picked up by mid-year. He can pretty much read anything now, although comprehension is another story (working on that in 1st).

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:In MoCo everyone is expected to read in kindergarten.

Don't worry OP, this poster is a troll

No, not a troll. Reading is one of the things MCPS teaches in kindergarten. It's unusual for a child to come out of kindergarten not reading.

Anonymous wrote:In MoCo everyone is expected to read in kindergarten.

Don't worry OP, this poster is a troll

In MoCo everyone is expected to read in kindergarten.

If your child entered Kindergarten knowing the alphabet well, knowing the sounds the letters make, and reading a few sight words did they learn to read in Kindergarten? If so when during the year were they really able to pick up a book and read it?