Should my first grader know how to read?

Question

I have been very depressed this year since I found out that my dad's side of the family is filled with sneaky jerks. I put so much energy into trying to act happy around my daughter that I didn't help her with reading and writing as much as I should have. (although I did help her some)

Anyhow, today is the first day of first grade and I am slightly stressed. She doesn't know all of her sight words. In fact, when quizzed over them last week - she seemed to have forgotten half of them.

So ... Does the average first grader go into first grade knowing their site words and stuff? Or do the teachers generally expect to have to spend the first few weeks re-teaching them?

Answer 1

they should  

Answer 2

I have volunteered at my children's elementary school for 10 years and I would say to not worry about it so much. As long as, your daughter knows her letters, letter sounds and is decoding words (sounding them out), then, she should be fine. Many times, children tend not to perform well for their parents and do better with sight word testing in the classroom. Plus, she will be doing a lot of review, which will help jog her memory. Just remember to read with her at home, thst's the most important gift you can give her!

Answer 3

Children are taught to read in Kindergarten.  Your daughter should be able to read by now.  Granted she won't be reading Shakespeare, but basic words yes.  Now, you must take into consideration that she is just coming off summer break and will definitely need to be "refreshed" as will many other children.  Actually, the first half of 1st grade will be reiterating all that was learned in Kindergarten.  So she will catch up.

Also, something you should take into consideration is that as hard as we [parents] may try we can not really hide our feelings from our children.  It is healthy for our kids to see us go through things and cope.  If you constantly mask what is going on inside of you, you will teach her unhealthy coping skills and she will mimic them.  What we teach our children is more then what we tell them.  They learn more from us that is unspoken then that which is spoken.  Be open with her about your feelings, and keep in mind that she is only a 1st grader so do not weigh her down, just let her in.

Answer 4

My daughter is going into 2nd grade this year.  Going into first grade she was not a strong reader.  By the end of the year she was in the highest reading group and one of the the top readers in her class.  I know this as I was a reading volunteer in class and the teacher told me.  By the way, while she could write her name at three, she definitely could not read.  She's  a great learner and has never gotten anything less than a good mark in all her subjects.  Your daughter will be fine.  Just make sure you're communicating well with her teacher.

Answer 5

In today's world, the average 3 to 4 year old can read and even write.  If they can't, they will be slow learners in school.  I suggest you spend some time with her teacher right up front and find out the best steps to do to correct any possibility of her lagging behind the other students.  Not being able to read can set a child back even in peer pressure to not be a good as her peers.  Sometimes that can easily be corrected by extra credit or after school tutoring.  Even sending her to a special set of classes after school can be beneficial in helping her to catch up.  

Answer 6

All kids learn at different rates.  The teachers will determine if extra help is needed and make their recommendation.  At that age they find kids that excell in reading beyond what is expected as well as kids that can't read at all.  Be patient, if they feel she needs extra help they will make a plan for her and will use it throughout the year and will check for progress and they'll have meetings with you.   My daughter went into 1st grade barely reading at all and they worked alot with her and she does fine now and is going into 2nd.  She still struggles but the teachers are monitoring her progress.

Answer 7

Does the average first grader go into first grade knowing their site words and stuff? Or do the teachers generally expect to have to spend the first few weeks re-teaching them?

Yes!

It takes repitition at that age.

I recall being pretty far along by the 2nd grade.

Answer 8

Every child is different, and learns at a different rate. Some children learn to read at 3, others at 8, but most are in the middle. Many children can not read going into grade one. This is not a cause for concern, but is something you should keep you eye on. With proper instruction from her teachers, she should be reading at grade level by the end of the year. If not, you should become concerned, and request a psycho-educational assessment to check for learning differences, just to be safe.

Now to answer your question. Kids go into first grade at all different levels, and teachers generally expect to have to get them all on the same page. That's what grade one is about. If you are truly concerned, request a meeting with your child's teacher, and ask her how she feels your daughter is doing, and if there is anything you can do at home to help her out.

Edit: One thing I would do is read to her everynight holding the book in a way that she can she the words, and point to them as you read them. This will promote interest in reading.

Good luck :)

Answer 9

Most of the kids forget their sight words. the teachers spend the first 2 weeks teaching them sight words again. just spend 20 min before bed going over them with your daughter each night so it is easy for her to remember.