[peebles16]

Just on for a rant basically and hopefully a bit of advice. My oldest who's 6 1/2 started school last week and am getting a bit panicked. Firstly the put him in year 3 with a whole load of kids aged 7 and up but quickly moved him into Year 2. From day one all I've heard from the school is that he is and I quote 'going to really struggle', 'in bottom of the class' etc etc.

Now just to put this into context his report from the UK states that he is a very able pupil performing at the top end of his year group. Also his maths homework last night was addition facts for 5 - he did all this last year and I provided them with the work from UK. Surely they differentiate to meet abilities in each class?
Picked him up from school today and after I approached the teacher to see how he was getting on she said they had assessed him and that he'll most likely be going into 'reading recovery'??? Now I think I have a fair idea what this is as used to work in special needs policy development back in Scotland but no real clear explanation of why - when I asked was told they'll explain it later?? He was taught in the UK using phonics and a very different reading scheme but they just seem to dismiss this again despite me providing themwith examples of his work. Am worried about him being removed regularly from his class too and think it's equally if not more important for him to develop a social peer group - arrgh what have I done!?

Just worth clarifying too I'm not a pushy Mum who wants him to be top of every class (far from it) I just want him to be happy and content at school and making progress. Feel like I've done something dreadful by moving him into a system that might not work for him - help :wah

Any advice??

Karenx

[shakyle2906]

Hang in there!

Got to be honest, our school is fantastic. The staff cant do enough.

Is there someone you can have a chat with ? Perhaps the Head or Deputy ?

Kyle was taught using phonics too but has adjusted very well over here. They certainly are different to the Uk though i admit.

Dont be so hard on yourself, i appreciate your concern, i would be and have been worried about ours but he is doing really well.

Try and get to speak to someone for some clarification. Pm me if you want to chat personally, i honestly dont mind if can be of any help.

Sharon

[Sam B]

It's really unlikely that if he was near the top for his age in the UK that he's near the bottom here. They have probably assessed him too early whilst he is still adjusting to all the changes and getting used to the change in accents etc. We haven't had this difficulty with our kids' schools which are fantastic - but I know I would be very worried if this had happened to my kids, so I sympathise.

As time goes on, they'll realise they got it wrong. The system here isn't all that different to the UK, I generally find it better. Good luck

[dharder]

We has something a little bit similar, I think. Our boys are very different in reading ability, one has always been one of the best in school in London, and has tested quite a bit ahead of his chronological age, and read Harry Potter in two languages. The other one is struggling with basic words, can't spell to save his life, and generally isn't interested in reading (yup, they are fraternal twins).

When we introduced the boys to the headmistress here, we mentioned that one of them was really struggling to read, and would probably need some help to catch up, but said that the other one was fine.

When they tested them, the one who can read tested at his chronological age (which puts him at the very very bottom of his class), the other one tested years ahead of his age.

My very first comment was 'you must have confused the two', a remark not very much appreciated.

To be honest, I have no idea how this happened. It is not an accurate represenation of their ability, and even though I am aware that being at the top of the class in their struggling East London school means nothing here in white middle class suburbia, I just found it odd.

I have asked for a retest for the one who did so badly, and was made to feel like pushy mum as well, but I really don't see a point in having him read really simple 'baby books' (his words) when I know he can do a lot better. I am also worried about the other one who did better than I think he really is (he has a number of techniques to make people think he actually CAN read).

Can you ask them to have another look, take another test? Other than that, I suppose they will see in time that he can do better. I doubt they'd go lower than Year 2 for a six and a half year old, so wouldn't be too worried about the peer group.

Good luck,

Daniela

[Tia Maria]

It's really unlikely that if he was near the top for his age in the UK that he's near the bottom here. They have probably assessed him too early whilst he is still adjusting to all the changes and getting used to the change in accents etc. We haven't had this difficulty with our kids' schools which are fantastic - but I know I would be very worried if this had happened to my kids, so I sympathise.

As time goes on, they'll realise they got it wrong. The system here isn't all that different to the UK, I generally find it better. Good luck

I agree with Sam B but the best thing is to put your mind at rest and make a formal appointment with the class teacher, make sure she gives you more than 5 minutes!

Lots of children do Reading Recovery in our school, it seems to be a commonly used tool and not something that takes them out of the class for long (its sometimes done in the classroom). Its often the case that they don't need to do it for the whole year as its quite effective. It could be that the teacher was being rude, it could just be she didn't realise how awful 'reading recovery' sounded to you as someone unfamiliar with the school.

My son was put into a special handwriting group and I panicked at first as it felt like he was probably the worst in the class. However, I spoke to the teacher and she explained it was common for children to attend this group and so I took a different approach and I asked what I could do to help him improve. After a couple of months of working on his fine motor skills he was out of the group (and I noticed some other children were now in it).

My son had a good time in his handwriting group, it was all kids from his class anyway, so no worries about the social side.

If your child does attend reading recovery, you'll obviously have another teacher to talk to about his progress, someone who is more focused on this aspect of his education and I'm sure it will soon become apparent that his reading level is fine. You can also get info about the way this school teaches reading and help him at home.

So I guess what I'm trying to say is that Reading Recovery, in our school, isn't just for the worst readers in the class, its just a chance for your child to focus a bit more on reading that term.

I don't know if it will be the same in your school but hopefully this will put your mind at rest a bit.

Cheers

Tia

[peebles16]

Thanks folks I appreciate the advice :)
I think my main concern that it's all a bit quick to make a judgement really tis only been a week. Don't get me wrong if he needs to go on a reading recovery programme then bring it on - anything that helps. I think you hit it on the head though Tia the teacher was pretty blunt and I think that got my hackles up. I worked a lot at back in the UK with parents and schools sorting out various issues/disputes and was just really surprised by her tone and bluntness and to be honest felt she was a bit rude. Added to that she is the reading recovery teacher!!

Och well think I'll go and speak to the depute tomorrow and try not to go overboard :D

thanks again
Karenx

[Tia Maria]

Added to that she is the reading recovery teacher!!

Karenx

Oh no! Perhaps she's just trying to drum up business! :p

Good luck with your chat, let us know how it goes.

Cheers

Tia

[wilson182]

Hi Karen

What school is he in?? (PM if you dont feel comfortable putting on the forum)

[JandM]

Declaring some relevant knowledge here - I was a schoolteacher, and still sometimes do private tuition in remedial reading/writing.

My kiwi d-i-l worked in the UK as a children's nanny. I remember how she found it very odd, helping 'her' children with their reading/spelling, as a lot of help and suggestions given here focus on fine differences in the vowel sounds, which she herself didn't make, and could only even notice by concentrating hard when I pointed them out. I'd say this means that the NZ system for teaching and testing reading is going to have to be substantially different. It's likely that the testing your children have had in these early days isn't picking up their UK skills, and is looking for NZ skills they haven't yet had a chance to get. It's probably worth mentioning this when talking things over with the various teachers.

Good luck with working through this. I know you must be feeling like fighting battles.

[Lupin]

I second the idea that perhaps he's struggling with the accent- I had a tricky time when first starting my job as I have been doing an intensive spelling course with one lad and we both really struggled! A year later and it's easier as I can 'switch on' a useful enough accent but my little daughter who has just started school has had a few minor problems- I found her teacher correcting her on the letter E yesterday (my daughter knows all her letter sounds and names) "no, it's not that sound, it's I I I IGG" Poor wee poppet!

Bring your concerns to the teaching staff- ask whether they think his understanding of the vowel sounds might be a problem. Good luck, school issues can be such a worry.

[castleclan]

Karen,
As a primary school teacher in England, I wouldn't worry about academics at the moment. As you said it has been a week! Focus on asking about his settling and work to build his confidence.
I personally, as a teacher of a new pupil from another country, would not want to make any fixed judgements on their ability in a week. I don't think an employer would judge an adult on the first few days in a new system.
Also if you get too anxious he will pick up on this. The class techer will also be getting to know all the other children at the beginning of a new year and those children will know more about the ropes than yours.
A happy, confident boy with your support will soon find his feet and adapt quickly to his new school.
Good luck and relax!
Jane

[kowhai]

I too have a little one in year 2 - turning 7 in June. I also have a child in year 5. At this stage Im just letting the dust settle before tackling the teachers with any issues I invariably will have !
I would really urge you to become the talk of the staff-room i.e. " The best parent ever” Doing those menial tasks around the classroom really produces magical results. Offering to help out during classtime supervising reading / story writing. Are you able to spare 1 hour of your time once a week? You will be appreciated so much by the teacher that you will soon build up a great relationship with her. It will be easy to discuss your sons progress in an informal way. Its also an excellent way of keeping a beady eye on the class and work out all the various dynamics i.e which kids not to invite over ! Plus young children love seeing mum and dad at school.

Im sure the teacher didn’t mean to be blunt - maybe you were the 10th mum that day to approach her about the same thing !

[kowhai]

[QUOTE=kowhai;182621] " The best parent ever”

That should read " The best parent helper ever ":)

[mish&al]

Kowhai, I think your kids are the same ages as mine..

Except over here it is year 1 and year 4...

Reading recovery in Oz doesn't have a stigma attached to it, it's just help for kids, I would assume it's the same in nz according to some of our relatives.

If they are anything like here, they will assess him again and probably make adjustments..:)

[kowhai]

I was speaking to one mum who was chuffed that her daughter had not only caught up - but was speeding past her peers after having had some Reading recovery aid. Her bright little girl was extremely shy and just needed to have her confidence boosted with some extra attention , now she is soaring.
Im still struggling to get my head 'round all this year one - sixteen' business. It used to be 'primers , standards and forms 'in my school days.
My child in year 5 turns ten in September.
At what age do children start school in Oz , Mish&al ?

[Carol]

Another slant on this.....and please dont take it the wrong way....

Every school I have taught in is on an extremely tight budget when it comes to Reading Recovery.
There are ALWAYS kids in mind from NE/Yr 1 who will be candidates for it - and usually - in higher decile schools - there is a waiting list.

It is possible - that the teacher is feeling the strain a little - with yet "another" candidate for RR. Especially one who has just come into the school.

On the other hand ....she may well just be one of those "brusque" people i personally avoid like the plague.
:laugh

Good advice up above there though....
Good parental help is hard to find - if you can do it - then go for it.
Break through her crusty shell!
haha

[peebles16]

Thanks folks
Would love to be parent helper did a far bit of it back in the UK but unfortunately I have a rather boisterous 3 year old in tow 24/7 and somehow don't think they'd appreciate it :D

I have to say I really don't have a problem with the reading recovery at all it's just how quickly things seem to be moving on - he's only been in school just over a week! Depute wasn't around this morning but am going to try again this afternoon - need more information really.
Thanks
karenx

[Andy-Dee]

Our daughter needed excelerated learning in her first year - at the time I was deverstated - however she loved it and gave her more confidence. In addition I put her into Kip Mcgrath classes after school (which they have in NZ) this gave her some 1 to 3 ratio help and soon the school were noticing her progression without us needing to say anything. She's just done her SATS and came out above average.

Chin up.

Dee

[kowhai]

[QUOTEWould love to be parent helper did a far bit of it back in the UK but unfortunately I have a rather boisterous 3 year old in tow 24/7 and somehow don't think they'd appreciate it [/QUOTE]

There are still heaps of wee jobs which you can do at the school with the help of the 3 old! i.e putting away books, cleaning paint jars, loads of things to do before and after school. By the time my youngest child started school all the junior teachers already knew him by name and he very happily settled in. Honestly its a ' win win ' situation. :)

[Tia Maria]

Thanks folks
Would love to be parent helper did a far bit of it back in the UK but unfortunately I have a rather boisterous 3 year old in tow 24/7 and somehow don't think they'd appreciate it :D

I have to say I really don't have a problem with the reading recovery at all it's just how quickly things seem to be moving on - he's only been in school just over a week! Depute wasn't around this morning but am going to try again this afternoon - need more information really.
Thanks
karenx

Nearly all the mums who help out in my son's class have toddlers/babies in tow, its a very relaxed atmospehere and the school is much more welcoming of younger siblings as it does get them use to the school. As Kowhai says its a win/win situation.

However, I have not been brave enough yet and know completely where you're coming from. You could always do a trial and if it doesn't work, leave it a while, or you could do like I do and quiz all those mothers that do go in and help for inside info! :D

Cheers

Tia

[Lupin]

I was quite surprised when we first got here because all the parent helpers seemed to have wee ones in tow- and not all well behaved, lol! In fact a friend did reading with a very boisterous breastfeeding on demand two year old- didn't seem to be a problem :) You can always ask and if they say no, nowt lost :)

[mish&al]

Our school doesn't allow parents to bring toddlers or preschoolers to help, as they are not all as perfectly behaved as mine were!

Kowhai, the minimum age in Oz is 4.5 yrs, and maximum 6 years, but this is NSW I am not sure about other states. Some private schools have minimum age 5.

Kindergarten is the first year of school, and most kids are between 4.5 and 5.5, which is equivalent to year 1 in nz. I have waded through the confusion of nz schooling by good hearted (and patient!) relatives!

My girls are 7 in july and 10 in june, but I started them both at 5.5 because it suited them better.

So next year they will be in year 3 and 6 in nz.

Michelle :)

[peebles16]

My wee man would be a nightmare he's like the wee duracell bunny - too much energy and never sits still!! Taking him into school would be my worst nightmare. However when he's starts kindy will give me a bit of free time so I'll give it a go then.

Spoke to class teacher and have organised to get whizzed through the NZ primary education system on her non-contact day next week. I think I will feel better once I've done this. Has been quite unsettling for me as parent though cos I worked in education back in Scotland so knew system really well and here feel I am clueless!!

Think he will go into reading recovery and can see now that it will probably be a good thing for him. Still think the should continually assess him though as he's typical boy pretty lazy and if he can get away with dodging work then he will. Hope they are taking his attitude to work into account when assessing.

Thanks for advice again
Karenx

[mish&al]

Has been quite unsettling for me as parent though cos I worked in education back in Scotland so knew system really well and here feel I am clueless!!


Trust me, I know how you feel! It's a totally different kettle of fish for me, too..:yes

[peebles16]

Well spoke to class teacher who is also reading recovery teacher today and do feel a bit better and think he does need the extra input. Teacher still pretty blunt mind you but i'll just have to get used to it :). She basically thinks it's because he was taught phonetically back in the UK and is still trying to sound out words etc one letter at a time. However, this is not the way they teach here so she feels she needs to take him back to scratch to get him up to speed. She did say she realised he was bright but lazy and needed pushed and that she hoped spending time in the reading recovery would do this so we'll wait and see...

Also volunteered to come into school next week when wee one in kindy - went down very well :D

Thanks for all the advice and kind words folks
Karenx

[Tia Maria]

Well spoke to class teacher who is also reading recovery teacher today and do feel a bit better and think he does need the extra input. Teacher still pretty blunt mind you but i'll just have to get used to it :). She basically thinks it's because he was taught phonetically back in the UK and is still trying to sound out words etc one letter at a time. However, this is not the way they teach here so she feels she needs to take him back to scratch to get him up to speed. She did say she realised he was bright but lazy and needed pushed and that she hoped spending time in the reading recovery would do this so we'll wait and see...

Also volunteered to come into school next week when wee one in kindy - went down very well :D

Thanks for all the advice and kind words folks
Karenx

Fab news! Its great when things turn out right, good for you going down there and getting it all sorted! :nice1

Cheers

Tia

[sizzlingbadger]

Great to hear.

I'm a fish out of water with my eldest now being in class 3, have no clue what he's supposed to be doing with his spelling and as they get the bus there and back every day I don't see the teacher at all during term. Proved difficult last term as well. I think I'm going to have to make a special trip in to see what I'm supposed to be helping him with :uhoh

[peebles16]

Just thought I'd update folks so I don't worry anyone from the UK reading my rants :yes
My eldest has settled brilliantly into school and is loving the reading recovery - speeding through the programme as I thought he would :)
Great feedback from school on a regular basis on how he is progressing and can see the improvements already. For example, they do this word blast thing every week - write as many words as they can in 10 minutes. When he started he managed 13 words and now 3 weeks in is up to 40 plus. Reckon he'll finish the programme in half the time. Added bonus is that his teacher now knows him very well and they've got a good banter going :)

Also whilst his teacher is very, very direct may have been a bit rash on the blunt front ...:p

Thanks again for the advice

Karenx

[Sam B]

Oh that's good to hear Karen. We have found the standard of education to be fantastic here, so I'm glad it's working out for you.

[Lupin]

Glad it all turned out fine Karen :)

[peebles16]

Just thought I'd update this one especially for folks still in the UK wanting info about NZ schools. My son has now been signed off reading recovery (should have happened before Easter hols but lack of time) and the whole programme has worked brilliantly for him :yes

His reading age across all the tests is now 7yrs which is where he should be as he is 7 in a couple of months (he was testing at anywhere between 5.5 to 6 before). His use of language and understanding the concepts of grammar etc have improved at an astonishing rate and his love of reading has just grown and grown :D His teacher was very impressed with him and stated that he has been her most successful pupil and exceeded her expectations which is just fantastic to hear :D

Only downside is he enjoyed it so much that he didn't want to stop attending - bless!

Thanks
Karenx

[Sam B]

What a nice ending to the story!

[thewoodies]

We are moving over soon, with 2 small children and i read this thread with great interest. I have as a teacher worked with New Zealanders and South Africans in the uk , their manner can take you aback they are blunt!!! But once you reliase they dont flower things up like us poms!!! and have a laugh about it I have found them the most friendly and accomodating teachers I have worked with.
Perhaps the teacher doesnt reliase how you feel its just a cultral difference she will expect you to be upfront as well. Good luck

[kowhai]

I knew it would workout. Well done !

[peebles16]

I had a good old rant on this thread about NZ education not long after we arrived in 2008 - so long ago the thread is now closed :o Anyhow if you read the thread you'll get the background to the story...

Update is that I went to goal setting meeting tonight and my lovely now 9 year old who had gone through the whole reading recovery trauma (me having the trauma not him :) ) has a reading age of 12.5!! So my trauma was worth it but more importantly both the kids love school, are doing well and best of all have a cracking bunch of mates :)

Cheers
Karenx

[IanW99]

...
so long ago the thread is now closed :o
...

I've re-opened the thread for you :nice1

Ian

[JandM]

Well done him. :nice1

[sophiedb]

Fantastic news! Well done!

[M-Squared]

Excellent, many many congrats! :nice1

[Mamee & Co]

Karen

I remember reading this story early in our emigration journey. When I met you and J & D it was great to hear how they were getting on. Congratulations to your two stars on such a successful school career.