Thursday, January 29, 2009

Reading Troubles

I am feeling so discouraged and defeated right now. Kaitlyn is struggling with reading. Well, she has been all along and it's always just been a lets wait and see how she does kind of thing. She had a reading test this week and is considered substantially deficient.

I wish I knew what was going on in Kaitlyn's head though. She tries so hard. I see it, her teacher sees it, her reading teacher sees it. So why can't she get this? How does she feel about this? I know she's gotta be feeling discouraged. She gets so frustrated when she can't read a word. I don't know what more I can do for her.

Her teacher is actually concerned that there is something more going on with her. The problem is they usually don't test in 1st grade because they want to give them time to develop more. So we're looking at the possibility of retention. I don't want her to stay back. Reading is all she's struggling in. She does well in math. So what if she does stay back and is doing all of the same stuff over again? What if she gets board and starts acting out? Then there's her age. Her birthday is in April. She's one of the older ones in her grade. How is that going to feel to be over a year older than a good portion of the other children in her class? She's been in school with most of these children in her own grade since preschool. So how is that going to feel to see them all moving on while she stays behind?

I don't want her to hate reading. I just don't know if this is what's best for her. I want them to test her for something. She can read high frequency words one day, but then the next she can't read those same words. I really want testing done. I really worry about her. I wish I could get into her head and figure out what's going on in there. Please don't let my little girl have to stay back a year!

2 comments:

Erin said...

I would definitely go ahead with EVERY test possible... if you look on my page, Erica (Shottsohana) has been dealing with special needs issues with her son. It is a tedious and time consuming process but something needs to be done for her! This isnt fair that they bring this deficiency up SO late in the year. I can only imagine how much it bothers her... the poor thing! You are doing great momma! I dont know that I would hold her back ... seriously... what if she doesnt "get it" next year? then what??? know what I mean??? Keep us posted and drop Erica a line... if you want her email, let me know! I will send it to you! Good luck and HANG IN THERE! She will be ok!!! Even if she isnt the best reader, she is going find her niche in life and will excel at what SHE is good at!

Mommy to those Special Ks said...

You know, my next door neighbor's daughter had to repeat 1st grade this year for the same thing, she just couldn't seem to grasp the reading. They held her back and switched her teacher this year and all of the sudden something clicked and she just "got it". She's doing GREAT now and her mom is SO happy she had her repeat a year. She figures in the long run it won't matter much that she's older.

How is Kaitlyn one of the oldest ones in the class? Kennedy has a May birthday and she'll be on the younger end... Kass and Kam have November birthdays and they are both the second oldest in their class. It seems like Kaitlyn would be right in the middle.

I know it's a hard decision, but I would talk to her teachers and Joe and try to come to an agreement... talk to Kaitlyn too, she's old enough to have a say too. Have you thought about tutoring? Kassidy is going for math and she's doing GREAT now!!!

Good luck and let us know what you decide!