I - am - a - slow - reader

I – am – in – the – slow - read – ers’ - group –

my – broth – er – is – in – the – foot – ball – team –

my – sis – ter – is – a – ser – ver –

my – lit – tle – broth – er – was – a – wise – man –

in – the – in -fants’ - Christ – mas – play –

I – am – in – the – slow – read – ers’ – group –

that – is – all – I – am – in –

I – hate – it.” (by Allen Ahlberg)

How do you think this child feels?

I think this child feels sad. Jealous of their siblings and like their reading speed defines them. I get this impression that this child might think that they aren't good at anything, not just reading. It makes me sad. It even sounds like his reading skills mean that he isn't included in plays or anything!

Do you visualise the reader as a boy or girl?

I feel like it is a boy. Not based on anything. Maybe it's because football is at the top of his list (gender stereotyping here!).

What concerns would you have if a child in your class felt like this?

I would be so worried!!!! It would be speaking to the parents and trying to boost the child's confidence. Find out what they enjoy doing and enable them to do more of that. Help them have a growth mindset and start of achieve things.

Which values and beliefs underpin your concerns

It always comes back to love, doesn't it?! I would feel like it was one of my own children feeling that way and would work seriously hard to help them to build their self esteem.