Yesterday, I spoke to Max's teacher regarding his reading progress.
Earlier in the year, we were contacted by his teacher about his early reading abilities/readiness. She was not overly concerned, but wanted to make us aware that he was struggling more than most of the other children. Of course, being the paranoid mother that I am, I panicked!
What hadn't I done to get him prepared?
Why was he struggling if we have read to him every night since HE WAS BORN...I had always heard that this helped children read EARLIER?!
After lots of discussion and "talking down" from my mom (a retired special education teacher) and his teacher, I was given tips and strategies to work on with him at home. I was also assured that he was very strong and advanced in other areas and he would get there with time!
I hadn't spoken to his teacher on this subject since before the Christmas break and I happen to be talking to her about another issue entirely, but thought I would ask her about her thoughts on his progress thus far. Before she answered, she asked how we thought his progress was. I said that we have seen huge strides, but there are still plenty of struggles that he has with it. He can get easily frustrated and shut down. We work on his take home books each afternoon after school. Some days, he does phenomenally and others it is like pulling teeth!
She was pleased with his progress, but stressed that he still has a long way to go. He is pulled out of class to work with a school reading specialist 3-4 days a week. She also mentioned the importance of being pro-active this summer and the possibility of a reading tutor to keep on top of things, so he is ready and doesn't get behind again in first grade.
As much as I worry about him, I know he is a bright and happy child. Having spoken to her about this has definitely made me feel better. I know I am not alone in this world of parenting and our constant worrying about our children, but that is just part of it, huh?!
Earlier in the year, we were contacted by his teacher about his early reading abilities/readiness. She was not overly concerned, but wanted to make us aware that he was struggling more than most of the other children. Of course, being the paranoid mother that I am, I panicked!
What hadn't I done to get him prepared?
Why was he struggling if we have read to him every night since HE WAS BORN...I had always heard that this helped children read EARLIER?!
After lots of discussion and "talking down" from my mom (a retired special education teacher) and his teacher, I was given tips and strategies to work on with him at home. I was also assured that he was very strong and advanced in other areas and he would get there with time!
I hadn't spoken to his teacher on this subject since before the Christmas break and I happen to be talking to her about another issue entirely, but thought I would ask her about her thoughts on his progress thus far. Before she answered, she asked how we thought his progress was. I said that we have seen huge strides, but there are still plenty of struggles that he has with it. He can get easily frustrated and shut down. We work on his take home books each afternoon after school. Some days, he does phenomenally and others it is like pulling teeth!
She was pleased with his progress, but stressed that he still has a long way to go. He is pulled out of class to work with a school reading specialist 3-4 days a week. She also mentioned the importance of being pro-active this summer and the possibility of a reading tutor to keep on top of things, so he is ready and doesn't get behind again in first grade.
As much as I worry about him, I know he is a bright and happy child. Having spoken to her about this has definitely made me feel better. I know I am not alone in this world of parenting and our constant worrying about our children, but that is just part of it, huh?!
5 comments:
and I say..kids, especially bright ones will get it when they want to. When it is important to him it will fall into place over night. ONe of Lauren's friends didn't read till midway 1st grade....this girl now reads books like potter ina week.
I have to echo Terra and can sympathize. My oldest was the same way. He could have cared less about reading in Kindergarten and even starting first grade. I knew he could but it wasn't until almost December of his 1st grade year, did something click and he started devouring books. He started reading Harry Potter in 2nd grade and has read the entire series. Now my challenge is finding him books that really get his attention and interest.
My boy is now reading well, and he is in 1st grade. Tremendous growth happens in 1st grade and most of his Kindergarten classmates couldn't read either. That seems very early. Please don't stress about it. He sounds like he is doing very well. :)
Oh, Allison! I so know what you are talking about. It is so hard to say don't worry--we know our babies and that they aren't gonna be good at all things right away--but man, the worry and the pressure we put on ourselves!
He will be fine--Cash's preschool teacher consistently tells us he has a problem focusing that is why is doesn't write his name as well as others--ugh!
Have you ever looked into 'Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons'? It uses the Distar method which I love - I'd highly recommend that book! You're supposed to do one lesson a day but Annie loved it so much she'd beg to do more!
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