Reading books

I'm wondering if anyone with older children can just pass on their
experiences of reading books from school.
#1 started school in September knowing a good few words but way off being
fluent reader.
The books she brings home are not challenging at all. They tend to say
something along the lines of "I can see a rabbit" "I can see a bird" "I can
see a dog" etc. Now I don't even get the impression they are meant to learn
the words "rabbit" "Bird" "dog" etc. (one of the words in a book was
"salamander" which is why I suspect she's not meant to read them) just learn
the repeated words. The problem I feel is that she hasn't yet had a book
with the words she is meant to be learning that she didn't know the words 6+
months ago. She usually knows, or can work out the extra words too-in fact
there was one book that started with a bit for the adult to read to set the
scene, and she read nearly all of that.
But, her reading has improved, she's sounding out words and her confidence
has increased. I think it's due to other things not the reading books,
though.
It may be that they want to get her more confident before they move her onto
words she doesn't know, which is fine, but she is pretty confident, and a
little bored now.

I've got parents' evening tomorrow, and I'm wondering whether to say
something or not. If this seems to be typical/expected then I'm going to
assume there is some reason for it and not say anything, but let her read
harder stuff at home (she's just started reading Secret Seven and she's
pretty much managing with a bit of help)

Welches...

She's not reading Secret Seven what I would call fluently yet. She reads a
little bit at a time because she finds it tiring, and she knows about 65-75%
of the words, and can work out a further 15+% and has to ask for the
remainer (having just looked at the page she read yesterday!). So it's not
independent. I think the level of them is above her, but it's bringing her
on quite well. I wouldn't want her reading books to be at that level as she
would get discouraged.

I know there have been similar somplaints among older children at this
school so I guess I'm testing to see whether this is the way they teach
reading or whether it's this school (which is generally excellent)
Debbie

Nikki...

His reading recovery books aren't to bad as far as interest. He knows them
fairly well as he reads them over and over and has always read them at
school before bringing them home. I think he does get a little bored of
them at times but it is also a good boost for him to be able to read them
with ease, versus the struggle he has with any new book. Reading does not
come easy for him though and he doesn't find it all that enjoyable. It may
be different for a different kid.

If we pick a book out of our shelves at home I'm so thrilled that I'll fill
in words, or echo read, or split it up sentence by sentence or page by page.
He's brought home some really awful books from whatever pile he picks from
his regular reading room though! That is when I suggest he get something

Welches...

Thanks! That's helpful!
Debbie

else.

Mary Ann...

Debbie,
Before coming to any conclusions, I would certainly ask the teacher to

bizby40...

It could be. I know that in our reading fluency program each
child had to read each book. As the children were reading
for fluency, expression, etc., some children had to read the
book more than once if they were reading each word but
sounding wooden or stilted. The more advanced kids
could breeze through each book with one reading, which
over time put them many levels ahead of the least able
readers. But they still had to have each book checked
off.

It doesn't hurt to ask the teacher about the books, but I
think in the long run, that at the very least it doesn't hurt
to have these books coming home. It's not likely that
the teacher isn't aware of your child's reading level. And
of course you can provide her with the longer and more
challenging books.

Rosalie B....

When I was in school (2nd grade c 1945) we got a new principal who was
supposed to 'shape up' the school which they thought under the
previous principal had gotten to lax. They instituted new rules about
the library books we were allowed to read. We could take only one
book out, and it had to be on our grade level, and we had to read it
in the library, and in 'free' reading during the week and we were not
allowed to read anything else.

This was incredibly boring for me because the books on my grade level
were both short and easy for me to read quickly. Fortunately, I could
still get regular books out of the public library, but I couldn't read
them in school. It was even worse for my sister who knew how to read
quite well before she even started kindergarten because I taught her
as soon as I figured it out myself.

grandma Rosalie

Welches...

I think the reasoning is that each book is concentrating on 1-3 key words,
so they need to do the book to learn the word. the problem is that she knew
the key words before starting school, so at this stage, there are no new
words to learn.
Debbie

explain their reading scheme to you in detail. Which one they use (you
can then do your own research), the philosophy behind the scheme, how
the children choose their books, how often they read to the teacher,
the way the children progress ie what can you expect in the coming
months, what you as a parent should be doing at home to reinforce
learning at school.
A good teacher will pick up your sense of concern and should reassure
you without you having to voice any complaints (which may well make the
teacher defensive).

Welches...

That sounds really good. I don't want to sound like I'm complaining. I'm not
really, just a bit concerned as to why she breezes through the books and
they don't seem to be getting any harder. And she is bored with them.
Debbie

Mary Ann

Mary Ann...

Regardless of her ability the fact she is bored is cause for concern
and is certainly worth mentioning to the teacher.
You DO NOT want your DD to be disillusioned with school.
Mary Ann

Nikki...

I'd agree with that. If she is not happy then I'd address it with the
teacher for sure.