I’ve heard children described not quite at grade level compared to peers. The "compared to peers" concern is such a soul-crusher for real learning. I've seen so many young people move very slowly in math or spelling and then, almost out of the blue, catapult ahead....because they were free to work at their own pace through a journey of mastery where the comparison is just to self, not to peers.
It is normal and common to have fears concerning our child's academic level because that 's what our society has molded us into thinking: that grade level means something and all children are supposed to learn in lockstep time with each other. Unfortunately, it's hard for adults to let go of such comparisons.
We found it helps our ROA parents when encouraged to support the slow play - the long game - and use growth mindset language with their child so they don't feel "behind" but instead encouraged to work hard and persevere.
Everyone learns at their own pace. Children are NOT standardized, and neither are adults. Learning is not a race. Allow them to enjoy the journey.
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