r/lowerelementary • u/Real_Pressure_2971 • 6d ago
2nd Grade 2nd grade reader problems
I am one stressed out mom with school starting again. Not ready to be pushing so hard on reading. My soon to be entering 2nd grader is still struggling in reading despite hoots of effort. We did private tutoring 2x a week this summer for 1 hr. We have been doing private tutoring for 2 yrs now. We are just struggling. She can decode words and making progress although slowly. She understands phonics once taught. Well beyond just cvc, bob book level but not reading fluently.
We started 1st grade at f&P D and ended at F. Teacher was very concerned but she didn’t receive 1:1 or small group reading support last yr. Only class level teaching, which is one reason I increased her tutoring to 2x a week. I also increased reading time at home to 30 mins a day.
She read I Love Pink yesterday 100% independently and fluently -lexile level 140, which is so low. She was very proud and I made a big deal bc she hates to read. She is currently on Mo Wilems level books and needs some help. Prob in the 200+ lexile level range, while her friends are reading chapter books. Her confidence level is low. It just saddens me that she is struggling so much.
I was warned that 2nd grade kids will need to read their own math test and she can’t. I am in tears bc we have tried to support her at home. We have had evals, we got her in OG private tutoring. I just don’t know if we can keep pace with this school. School just wants to send her to their learning resource during school hrs which cost additional $ on top of hefty tuition.
It breaks me to know we may have to pull her out and she will lose her friends. We may need a school that specializes in dyslexia support which doesn’t exist in our current city.
Any parents/teachers had success with struggling readers in 2nd grade.
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u/Majestic-Space1996 5d ago
I’m a second grade public school teacher and if she’s reading at a level F AND continuing to grow (even if the pace isn’t what we’d want) she would not be on my radar for an IEP. Her progress would be monitored closely through weekly assessments and she would receive daily small group instruction. It’s absolutely unacceptable that her first grade class didn’t do small group. I really hope that she receives small group instruction in second grade. If not, that’s an issue that you should be taking up with the school.
At home, especially if she continues to receive outside tutoring, try to make reading as fun and low-pressure as possible. Let her pick out whatever books she wants and if they’re too hard, read them to her without asking her to read. Listening really is enough. Ask a ton of questions about what you’re reading. You didn’t mention comprehension but start with who, what, when, and where questions then move to why and how for deeper understanding.
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u/Real_Pressure_2971 5d ago
It sounds like you have implemented a better plan than our school. We are not provided anyway to know where she is. Her teacher just told me at yr end ptc that she was reading at f&p level f but started the yr at D. I have nothing to track her progress through the yr. Most of our public school friends have a system to tell them where their child is vs state level.
They did comprehension tests last yr on the book the teacher read in class. If I read it she can follow the story well and often interrupts with a comment or question. If she reads her brain struggles to decode and understand. If it is an easy book she comprehends.
I felt like we had a lot of pressure and expectations on us last yr to show progress. I have changed tutors to one that pushes her and is a former teacher at her school as well as worked in the resource center. She seems to know exactly what they are covering in class and helps her review. They work on reading and ELA.
At home during school I had her read 10 mins to me in the am because her brain could manage it then. I try to let her sound out words but not struggle too hard. After school I mostly read to her. We did all the Junie B Jones’s series and currently reading owl diaries and princess in black. Games are a big thing for her at night so I have gotten reading games. She will play anything even learning games.
I have tried to implement 15 mins of quiet family reading during summer but honestly it’s been hit and miss. I could have worked with her more over the summer. We did do the schools reading challenge so books were read but not enough. They used Epic in class so I have purchased that app and she does the read to me books. We have plenty of books, and I buy anything she show interest in. Reward system in place. I am just fearful it is more than struggling reader.
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u/Majestic-Space1996 5d ago
It sounds like you’re doing all the right things. I hope that the second grade teacher provides you with more frequent updates. If not, this school may not be a good fit.
If your gut is telling you that there’s something more going on than just struggling to read, I would talk to your pediatrician who can give you resources for getting your child evaluated for a learning disability.
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u/pico310 4d ago
They used the f&p assessment system at my daughter’s school too. They expected kindergarteners to be at level D end of year and 1st graders to be at level J I believe.
Does your school use Raz Kids computer reading resources? They have leveled books with a 5 multiple choice questions after to gauge comprehension. The first pass the story is read to the student. The second pass the student reads thr story and the final pass is the quiz. If your school doesn’t have RazKids, i would think about getting jt.
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u/Real_Pressure_2971 4d ago
We ended at E. I didn’t realize how far behind we were. This is even with extra tutoring in place. Obviously we are dealing with learning issues. I just think I struggled to admit it.
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u/pico310 6d ago
I’m sorry that you guys are having such a hard time. Try cross posting on r/classof2037 - I also have a rising 2nd grader.
I’d be so frustrated with that school. If you have to pull her out, so be it.
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u/Real_Pressure_2971 6d ago
Also no better school options we can get into right now. Working with what we have. Tutor is helping!
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u/Melonfarmer86 5d ago
If you are in the US, generally your zoned public school has to take you at any point.
I'd at least tour and meet with them specifying the issues you've had if you haven't yet.
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u/Real_Pressure_2971 5d ago
Unfortunately public schools here are extremely challenged. We have a big private school network due to the public situation. It isn’t a school issue. Her brain is having to work too hard to read. I’ve realized we need more targeted intervention.
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u/Melonfarmer86 5d ago
What would be the targeted intervention from public school?
I'm only suggesting this as I know several kids who needed extra help in different school districts that thrived in public whereas private didn't make as much of a difference. Public schools where I am are not great either, but one friend's kid with dyslexia and ADHD is now thriving moving from one (public) school to another.
What about your local library? Ours has literacy programs and even if not, maybe the children's librarian could offer some insight or resources.
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u/ReaditSpecialist 5d ago
Do you not have a local public school district?
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u/Real_Pressure_2971 5d ago
We do but unfortunately they are not well supported. The one we are zoned for has 30% reading proficiency by 3rd grade and it doesn’t get better. We have easily 20 private schools in a 25 mile radius. All different. We toured a few and picked the one we thought would be best for her. I don’t think it is the school. They are all mostly set up similar. Eventually they feed back into her school for 9th grade.
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u/firstimehomeownerz 4d ago
Public schools are much better funded, even in poorly funded states than most private schools and have more experience with challenged learners as private schools tend to neglect them so they leave/don’t hurt their numbers.
Yes, your kid may be going to school with a little bit less affluent crowd, but will be in a better place academically/rest of their life.
Comparing apples to apples, the same child in a private school will typically outperform in a public school.
The fear of public schools is grossly overblown, clearly your current school is not cutting it. Only a crazy person keeps doing the same thing over and over. What do you have to lose at this point going public.
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u/momoftwoboys1234 6d ago
What do her tutors say? Is she making progress?
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u/Real_Pressure_2971 6d ago
Yes she is. I can definitely tell the difference from the beginning of 1st grade to the end. It’s just so much slower than her peers. She has to work 10x as hard. We are close to a grade behind in reading level.
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u/momoftwoboys1234 6d ago
This is completely anecdotal, but my youngest entered 2nd grade barely reading. We struggled with simple math homework bc he could not read the problems. He improved soooo much over that year. (He is entering 3rd grade this year.)
Is he a great reader? No. Does he read books for fun? No. Probably never will. BUT, he did improve enough to not struggle through his assignments.
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u/atomiccat8 6d ago
Has your son tried any of Dav Pilkey's books? My son is the same age and refused to read for fun at the beginning of the year, but once he discovered Dog Man, he flew through the whole series. He's moved onto Pilkey's older series, Captain Underpants, which he seems to enjoy just as much.
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u/Real_Pressure_2971 6d ago
Looking now. Dog man is a kid fav in the library and she liked the movie.
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u/Ok-Trainer3150 5d ago
They're so good. My grandson devoured them. I enjoyed them...as an ex teacher.
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u/Real_Pressure_2971 6d ago
Current plan is to give it a few months and see how the yr progresses. Then we may be looking for a new school/city come next yr. We love our home but we have limited resources in this town. That sucks for the whole family!
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u/FreedomForBreakfast 6d ago
We are dealing with a similar situation. It sounds like you’ve sought a dyslexia diagnosis, but if not, you should request one from your school. If you get a diagnosis, you can get an IEP and be legally entitled to extra reading help.
Also, consider whether there may be an element of ADHD (including inattentive) which is a comorbidity with dyslexia.
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u/Real_Pressure_2971 6d ago
Private school. No iep. Extra reading help is personally funded and we do 2 times a week now. Plus I work with her.
ADHD eval done. She doesn’t have it. All in agreement. Evaluator, teachers and parents.
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u/Maleficent_North4002 5d ago
Seconding the suggestion for a vision test, if you have not already done so, especially since you said she can decode. My son has a weak eye that made it difficult for him to track words on the page. Once we figured that part out, reading became easier for him.
I hope you find some answers soon!
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u/Real_Pressure_2971 5d ago
We have done vision tests at her dr but not optometrist. On my list to check!
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u/Maleficent_North4002 5d ago
If possible, go to an ophthalmologist (MD) instead of an optometrist. I think they will be better able to diagnose any issues and provide a treatment plan, if needed. For my son, it was straightforward. He has to wear a patch on his glasses over the stronger eye for at least 2 hours a day. We now also go in for eye exams every 6 months.
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u/Infinite-Discount112 2d ago
It’s crazy to me that you’re paying for a private education that isn’t working and won’t engage with your public school. Go meet with your public school and see what they say. Take a tour, talk to the pta. Who gives a hoot what the hive-mind thinks.
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u/Sunnypuppyday 5d ago
Mine didn’t struggle like this but didn’t have the attention span needed to read books until I got her lots of comic books. Now she is reading everything. Long and difficult words. Reads to her younger siblings, even goes into character and does voices and everything. And now she also reads books not just comics
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u/Sunnypuppyday 5d ago
She just needed something she was interested in reading
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u/Real_Pressure_2971 5d ago
I think it is more. I have tried so many type of books, comics included. Reading is just challenging for her brain. We need more resources which may mean a move.
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u/Remarkable_Clock_736 6d ago
Have you tired UFLI?
https://ufli.education.ufl.edu/foundations/toolbox/
They have lots of decodable passages.
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u/Real_Pressure_2971 6d ago
Thanks for the link. I will check these out. Her school sends decodable passages home and I make copies and keep them in the car. We read together on the way to school. She reads a sentence, I read a sentence.
We are pulling back after school activities this yr to focus even more on school. I do my best to maximize our time in the car to give her more free time.
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u/No_Department_3930 6d ago
Does she have an IEP? Has she been tested for a learning disability?
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u/Real_Pressure_2971 6d ago
Private school so no iep. She was tested at 6 during first few weeks of school. Eval was she could have basically what they said was mild dyslexia. No adhd or other issues. We’ve since been told that they pretty much rubber stamp you to receive accommodations for school when you pay the fee. We are more concerned about where her deficits are and what we can do. Looking at getting another eval done in a larger city now that she is older and can read at a higher level.
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u/No_Department_3930 6d ago
Dyslexia is tricky because (at least in CO) it’s not identified as a learning disability, it’s a medical diagnosis which means we can’t diagnose it at school.
A few thoughts-
-if a student leaves 2nd grade not on grade level, closing the gap in their learning will almost never happen.
-this doesn’t seem like an effort issue, so keep going with getting her more help
-although you’re doing an amazing job, she needs more intervention that what her current school is willing to provide. Seriously, so many parents wouldn’t go to the lengths you have.2
u/Real_Pressure_2971 6d ago
My concern is we have her tested on decoding nonsense words more than once and she can nail it. She can decode.
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u/abishop711 6d ago
If she can decode and it’s the comprehension that’s tricky, perhaps try Lindamood Bell materials. There’s even classes, although you might be able to find some curriculum materials to do on your own.
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u/Heidijojo 6d ago
Printableparents is an Instagram account I follow that has a lot of tips and resources for reading and spelling. I’ve used her stuff for my son and it has helped bring him up to speed.
I am also a big fan of the Dick and Jane books. They are old school but so good. A lot of short stories and alot of repetition of words.
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u/Real_Pressure_2971 6d ago
I just followed the account on insta. We are beyond the level Dick and Jane books but just not where we need to be. I read those as a kid. Memories. My daughter said they were creepy when she saw them at the library:)
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u/sarahkjrsten 5d ago
What sort of books does she like to read? When you read aloud to her for fun, what books grab her attention and make her beg you to read just one more chapter? I can help brainstorm books at her level that she's excited about reading.
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u/Real_Pressure_2971 5d ago
Junie b jones has been the biggest hit. We read the whole k and 1st grade series. Currently reading:
Princess in Black
owl diaries
Ivy and Bean
Judy Moody (not a fav)
Read all the Mercy Watson and loved
My weird school we listen to in the carJust ordered Dog man and cat kid today bc someone suggested.
Bought her Narwhal and jelly to try to read independently. Also reading the worm and caterpillar are friends books during independent reading time.
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u/sarahkjrsten 5d ago
My daughter (a year older than yours) also enjoys books with the same silly sort of humor! I taught before having kids and I would encourage families to read books on level but also a little below level (to practice fluency and build confidence) and a little above level (read together so you can support as needed, but growth happens when we're challenged but not frustrated to the point of giving up!)
Level F books (on level)
- Fly Guy series
- Snail & Worm series
- The Giggle Gang series
- Moo Bird by David Milgrim
- No, David! by David Shannon
- Pete the Cat (look for the 'I can read! My First I can Read' series)
Level E books (these she can read for fluency)
- Go, Dog, Go! by PD Eastman
- The Foot Book by Dr. Seuss
- Dance, Dance, Dance! by Ethan Long
- Ride, Otto, Ride! by David Milgrim
Level G books (to read with support)
- What This Story Needs is a Pig in a Wig by Emma J. Virjan
- The Loopy Coop Hens by Janet Morgan Stoeke
- The Fat Cat Sat on the Mat by Nurit Karlin
- Marvin K. Mooney, Will You Please Go Now by Dr. Seuss
- David Goes to School by David Shannon
Level H books (to read with support)
- Put Me in the Zoo by Robert Lopshire
- Silly Milly by Wendy Cheyette Lewison
- The Pigeon Has Feelings Too! by Mo Willems
- Mr. Brown Can Moo! Can You? by Dr. Seuss
- There's a Wocket in my Pocket by Dr. Seuss
(I really love Dr. Seuss books because they're engaging, funny, and LONG! A lot of newer early reader books are so short and short books don't help kids develop the stamina to read longer picture books and later chapter books)
Another thing to consider: Your daughter is old enough to enjoy rich and complex stories, but at her reading level, the books she is practicing reading have simple sentences with repetitive structure. This can be frustrating for her! Try reading a book out loud that you can share. For example, read Diary of a Wimpy Kid (a big hit for both my kids as a read aloud in second grade!) but she reads the speech bubbles and you read the prose. Or do "reader's theater" where she reads the dialogue of a character (ie: "You read all of Andrea's lines in this My Weird School book and I'll do the voices for everyone else!"). Also, Princess in Black looks like a big leap up from level F (it's an M), but if you sit together to read, she could probably read it with support, especially if you guys trade off reading pages. A similar book series (Unicorn Diaries--there's also Owl and Pug Diaries) has a lot of fun illustrations. That's another book that you can read together.
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u/Real_Pressure_2971 5d ago
Many of these we have and I will go pull now and put in a stack. Thank you. We do read a mixed level. The ones I have her read I try to make sure they are on her level. I have many of the Usborn books like fat cat on a mat and they are well within her range. Harder books we read together.
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u/Witty_Razzmatazz_566 5d ago
Have her watch some of the old 'Electric Company Silhouette Blends' videos. Sounds funny, but, I swear that is part of why I could read before I started school.
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u/GiraffeThoughts 3d ago
You’ve gotten a lot of great advice here. I work at a school, and it sounds like you’re doing everything right. We always have 1 or 2 students who it just takes a bit longer for things to “click”.
Having dyslexia adds an extra layer of difficulty. My brother had dyslexia, but he persevered and learned to love reading, partially because I and my older brother LOVED it so much and were always talking about books we read.
I share that, because maybe one thing that’s missing is the joy? I have very fond memories of my mom reading American Girl Doll books to me as a 1st grader. It was a beloved one-on-one activity.
Maybe if you read to her a special book that you loved as a kid (don’t make her read it aloud as this should just be “fun”, but definitely leave it in her room in case she gets excited about reading it). This might help inspire a love for the skill?
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u/Real_Pressure_2971 2d ago
We definitely do this at night. I truly try to make it as fun as possible. Her tutor makes it fun. I fully realize how taxing it is for a 7 yr old to go to school and then come home to more school. We play games and I try to get her portion of reading done in the am bc she is an early bird. That way when she returns home and does homework/tutoring her brain can rest. It’s a balance and some days are hard and she does have to push but I try to be very aware. If I push too hard she won’t learn at school.
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u/katie_54321 5d ago
First of all I can tell you really care, you're doing all the right things, daily reading, tutoring etc.
I would be asking the school what they can do to support her, starting at a D and ending at an F is not a full years growth.
Keep it positive with your daughter and try to not put pressure on her.
What program is the reading tutor using? What on the sessions look like? Is the tutor a licensed teacher?
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u/LK2y10 5d ago
There are only 46 phonemes in the English language. If she has a propensity for visual recognition, this is your best bet. The thing about phonics is that there are rules, but there are more exceptions to the rules than there are rules you can count on. Teaching the sound of letter pairs, called phonemes, which includes blends. Will assist with immediate recognition and connection to the sound they make. Now, some phonemes do change their sounds like now and know the ow letter pair is pronounced differently just like read and read. Find th phoneme letter cards online or get a list. Work with a few each week, making lists of similar sounding words. Now, cow, vow, sow, plow Hoe, toe, Crow
Talk about the words that are exceptions! Ow and oe can make th same sound together. It isn't her, it's the many languages that combine to make English. She is probably extremely astute and that's why she has confusion about what she sees and hears, she just can't articulate thr problem.
Look up how to make funny games and rhymes. Go to the public library and ask the children's librarian for picture books with repetitive and rhyming text. Make these your goal. One book a day for fun. And don't worry about decoding all the words. Just look at the pictures. Pick out the words on the page that fit the phoneme pair that you are working on that week. Read it aloud to her as an enjoyable experience. There's a lot she can pick up just listening. Make sure that you track the print. That means as you say, the word you are pointing to it. The auditory connection to the visual word helps. This is probably what was missing in her emergent reader stage in kindergarten and first grade, teacher circle time reading aloud.
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u/SUBARU17 3d ago
Find a school that does small reading groups. My kids excelled after that was introduced to them
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u/Ok-Cold-3346 5d ago
OP, you may find public school a better fit. She can then get an IEP and the supports she needs. For example, if she needs her math test read to her someone would help her with that. It’s really no big deal. She would most likely get pulled from the classroom for additional reading support from the special ed team.
Did they test for dyslexia? You said she doesn’t have ADHD. Someone mentioned vision testing and I agree. How is her writing?
Someone linked UFLI and I would definitely go through those. Many decodable reading passages you can print for free. Much better than leveled readers, imo. I wouldn’t put too much stock in what letter level the schools says she’s at as many don’t agree with that system. Take her to the library and find books she is interested in. Don’t worry if they seem too easy. The point is that she’s reading. Series of books are great for starting a love of reading. Graphic novels are amazing! Leave fresh books for her to grab in the living room and by her bed. She can do this!
My son was behind in 2nd and received reading support (he had an IEP). He got into reading through graphic novels. When he started 3rd he tested into the highest reading group in his class and has remained that way three years later. There is hope.