Ok, coming to this as a non-parent, so feel free to disregard...
andyoxon said:
Basically we’re concerned youngest mini ao may fall behind in everything because she struggles with her reading. Her teacher didn’t seem too concerned at the moment, and her report was OK. Doing gymnastics has boosted her confidence generally. Really want her to catch the reading bug and for it to be fun. We do read to her, though could probably do more.
Yes, YOU want her to catch the reading bug. She obviously likes gymnastics. Perhaps she just isn't ready to enjoy reading. Some people like to read more than others. I always had my nose in a book as a kid, my sister was much more into doing cartwheels and running about. I can't say either of us has turned out 'better' for it. I've got a load of academic qualifications, and no idea what I want to do next, she's been the manager of a shop and deputy manager in another, and having just had her first baby was headhunted by a lady who wanted someone to help her in her shop one day a week, and knew what a good saleswoman (and 'people person') my sister is from having contacts with her old workplace.
It's very hard to put aside your own ambitions, I understand, but if her teachers aren't worried, I wouldn't want to push her, nd have her end up resenting reading as a chore. I'd assume she'll enjoy reading when it suits her to do so - perhaps if it was a book on gymnastics, or ballet or something that seemed relevant to her...
Anyway I’d forgotten we’d expressed an interest in TSSC, months ago, so went with this meeting to find out about what they do etc. I have to say I’m not that comfortable about signing up for £2.5K worth of DVD/workbook lessons without speaking to people who’ve been through it. Not sure why they don’t do a year at a time really, though having said that apparently they work towards the next Key stage SATS age 11. They say the course will ‘work’ if the program is adhered to.
Hmmm, that rings faint alarm bells - anything you have to pay so much for up front, for such a long commitment. You might find that after a few months, the younger one suddenly 'clicks' with reading anyway, and the money is wasted. I'd tend to suggest the money could be better spent as and when needed to encourage whatever interests the kids take up naturally - a sort of hobby fund.
As i say, not being a parent, I may not be qualified to comment, but it seems like a lot of money for something a little dubious...
I also hate the idea of kids having to think about exams and tests at those sorts of ages, but that's a thread all it's own...