Spinoff to reading. What if...

What if you have a student that is reading above grade level? For example, a Kindergartener who begins the year at a C/D level? Do you expect them to improve as well? Are they given individual assignments? Are they separated?

Re: Spinoff to reading. What if...

Are they expected to move up more? If coming in reading that high then I would like to see growth that year. I wouldnt hold them back

I put the kids in guided reading groups so that student will be put into a grp or worked with indvidually one level above what he is reading at. They will be taught decoding and comprehension strategies that lower readers may not be taught yet

Message edited 3/29/2013 5:11:59 PM.

Spinoff to reading. What if...

oops sorry : ) I thought this was in parenting lol : ). Thanks!

Message edited 3/29/2013 6:16:10 PM.

Re: Spinoff to reading. What if...

I'm asking because this is my DS. I had a reading teacher friend of mine test him, and I was concerned that they might not work with him since he is already reading at the exit level. I am afraid he will be a disruption to the class because he is bored at learning sight words and beginning reading. He can read a higher level than D but can not answer beyond the text questions. He can only answer some questions at the higher level. He will be entering K in the fall, so I am hoping the teachers are willing to work with him. This year in pre-K they do not do any reading at a higher level and he is the only student in class that can read. I have asked the teacher.

Re: Spinoff to reading. What if...

If he cant answer the questions at the level tested than he is not reading at that level. He needs accuracy, comprehension and fluency. At what level did he have all 3?

Message edited 3/29/2013 6:50:53 PM.

Re: Spinoff to reading. What if...

I think a teacher well versed in reading instruction will make sure she is teaching him at his level... either individually or in a group of other students are at his level. But I am talking as an elementary teacher. I am not sure that PreK programs really focus on reading instruction.

He sounds like he is off to a great start in reading, but I wouldn't rush him to more challenging books until he has the skills to decode them and answer comprehension questions related to them. He would do better to realize that reading is about answering those questions and talking about the story, than just thinking reading is decoding.

ETA
The world of kindergarten has really changed. I think most schools have some kind of guided reading program in their kindergarten programs. If so, his reading level will be assessed and as a result his reading needs will be met in whole group and small group instruction as needed. JMO

Message edited 3/29/2013 6:58:11 PM.

Re: Spinoff to reading. What if...

Instruction wise, he was level C. At level D, he could answer some questions, but not the ones beyond the scope of the text. He can read higher level words, but not fully comprehend all the higher level questions. My concern is that he will probably be in a special education class and they won't work on reading at all with him. I do not push him at all. He has always had a propensity for reading and math. I think I will have the same concerns in that area as well.

He is the kind of kid who would act out because he is bored of the material. I just want him to be taught something at his level, hoping to avoid the acting out and tantrum that might occur.

Message edited 3/29/2013 9:36:39 PM.

Re: Spinoff to reading. What if...

I would just do what your probably already do as a mom... advocate for him when he meets his new teacher

Share what you know about him as a reader and learner/person. Hopefully her response will give you some ease. She may ask for sometime to get to know him in the classroom... bc sometimes how kids are at home doesn't always match how they present in a classroom environment with all the other factors involved. She will definitely share her reading instruction philosophy and you both can go forward from there.

Just shared you thoughts/goals and concerns. Best way to start the new year for your little guy!

ETA... in my district the reading instruction opportunities in special ed settings (non inclusive and inclusive) are great. They are the same as gen ed, unless a child shows a need for something more intensive like Wilson.

Message edited 3/30/2013 7:32:14 AM.

Re: Spinoff to reading. What if...

Thanks??. That's good advice.

Re: Spinoff to reading. What if...

In my school we have reading groups and if a student was reading at a higher level they would be in a small group with children of similar ability to meet their reading needs. I see each small group daily. I am sure your district does the same.