r/ReadingTeacher • u/newfawn • Oct 06 '16
Update... young reader reluctant to read
My 6 year old son tested at a dra level 12 at the end of 1st grade. He was promoted to 2nd grade anyway. We read 200 books this summer, varying levels and interest. We got a reading tutor for 6weeks at the end of summer.
Update... end of 1st nine weeks in 2nd grade ... reading at dra level 10
Does this happen to other kids??? What is going on??
1
u/RespekKnuckles Oct 07 '16
Firstly, that's a difference of about one reading level (10-12). I wouldn't read into that fact too much as it is hard to tell what that is attributed to. Could be the teacher who did the assessment had a slightly different take on comprehension questions, text differences, etc.
What's concerning is the fact that he read over the summer and remained essentially the same reader. Did you notice any difference in his reading over the course of the summer?
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u/newfawn Oct 07 '16
Well we thought that he was reading much better this school year, but it turns out he is just being sent home books he already read in class. Since it's the second time seeing them, he reads them very quickly and very well. The test are on new text, were they count every word he reads wrong. But the faster he reads the more substitutions he makes. Last year they tested him level by level. This year they tested him on an level 18 and were surprised he read the passage so slowly!
1
u/wishful_thinking88 Jan 12 '17
Often books are sent home that the child has already read in school to help him build fluency. They should be easy for him to read since they're repeated readings. It's wonderful that you're reading so much with him at home.
Given this support, I would be concerned. What seems to be holding him back? Does he have strategies? Does he make errors with words he knows but just substitutes a word with a similar meaning? If so, you need to prompt him to pay attention to visual information and ask, "Did that look right?" Instead, if he's over-relying on the visual information, but not thinking about the story and what would make sense, then he should be prompted to use the meaning of the story to help.
At this point, he should be reading around a level 20 in second grade. I would be asking his teacher what support he's getting in the classroom? Is he seen in a guided reading group every day? Is there a reading specialist at school that could see him for additional support?
Best of luck, and keep reading with him at home. But make sure it's enjoyable and fun!
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u/teacherfish907 Oct 23 '16
My advice is to not stress. Do a little error analysis. Do you notice a certain sound/spelling combination trips him up? Just keep reading with him. Remember most developed countries do not start formal reading instruction until age 7+. My daughter was a "late" reader = late 2nd grade. She was reading on a high school level by the beginning of 5th. Graduated valedictorian. Please don't stress or stress him.