Q Looking for pro's/con's from any parents who repeated grade 1 for their little one...
My daughter is in grade 1 in QLD, during Prep last year and 3 terms of Grade 1 this year she has struggled across the board. Learning difficulty testing/behavioural optometrist test results have ruled out anything unusual, so it's been put down to her simply being a year younger than most of the class (she was born in June, with the cut off for enrolment each year being 30 June).
The school isn't encouraging my wish as a parent to repeat, saying if we repeat now, she will never have the opportunity to repeat again if needed later. I feel doing it now will give her the best chance to solidify the basic learning foundations needed into the future, to avoid being even further behind. She has always tracked about 6-12 months behind where she should be in her reading/writing/maths skills etc. Socially she is very outgoing, so I know this would make the process somewhat easier.
Ultimately I know as the parent I have the final say to repeat my child or not, but I'd love to talk to anyone who's been in a similar position, and hear if it was a worthwhile decision or not. I understand every child is ultimately different though ;)
1 Replies
I highly doubt that if she has trouble down the track then no action will be taken to support her if it is required. Do what you think she needs now, but also speak & listen to the teachers about their opinions. Holding down a grade isnt the only or best option anymore, so listen openminded to what else they can offer in support. Maybe ask for her to go into a year 1/2 class or talk to her new teacher & make sure her work is tailored to her standard & she has individual goals, that way she might get the support she needs without the stigma or confidence bust of repeating while everyome else moves on.