Ah, the reading diary. That reliable and valuable tool for logging the books your pupils have read and monitoring their progress. It gives us teachers not only a record of progress, but also an insight into the reading habits of the child at home, as well as a communication link with parents.

Unfortunately, though, the difference between how a child is reading in school and how they appear to be reading at home can sometimes be enormous. You’re seeing comments like “too easy!” but the child in front of you is struggling to read 50 per cent of the words.

How is this possible? It’s not like parents actually lie in their comments, is it?

Well, I have been both teacher and parent in this scenario, and let me assure you: of course some parents lie.

They can lie because they have been really busy that week, but do not want their child to miss out on the reading raffle (four sessions of home reading a week if you want to be in the running for a prize). But they can also lie for a number of other reasons.

Does it matter? Yes, if you suspect something is amiss; you do need to investigate why. This is not so you can chastise the parent - far from it. Every parent wants the best for their children and an untruth in the reading diary usually has a cause that needs to be addressed. Usually, that is better communication or more support from the school. 

Here are two scenarios I have experienced as a teacher, but there will likely be many more. If you have other scenarios that could benefit teachers and parents, please do leave them in the comments.  

1. Peer pressure

You know that Bradley is struggling with phonics, is behind with his sight words and can’t make it through any of the adventures of Biff and Chip unless he’s heavily assisted. But if Bradley’s mum’s entries to the reading diary are to be believed, he read the whole book fluently, then picked up a copy of Moby Dick, devoured three chapters and made notes on religious symbolism.

You’re clearly getting an exaggerated version of the truth so your job is to find out why.

Some parents don’t want to lose face because their child is on a lower book band than their friends. This sort of competition between parents is rife, with some even secretly rifling through other children’s book bags to check their reading level.

What to do: Try the pupil with a more difficult book next time they read to you. If they cope well, move them on to the appropriate level. If not, invite the parent in to listen to their child read to you; even the most insistent parent can’t argue with the evidence in front of them.

But remember: This is not always a barefaced lie. Sometimes parents don’t understand what is expected in order to move up a reading level. Maybe their child can read the text but lacks understanding, or perhaps they’ve memorised the book so they appear to be reading fluently. Sending home a list of what to look for when reading with your child can help. Most of all, do not judge. If a parent feels the need to do this, then it is partly your job to find out why and try to find a solution. Communication is the key.

2. Stalled progress

The reading diary says Andrew has read all the books twice during the week, but Andrew approaches the book in class as if it has not left his book bag.

There could be two things going on: Andrew is struggling with reading and the parent is not making that clear in the diary, or there is no reading actually happening at home and the diary is simply being filled in to make it look like it is happening.

Both scenarios require investigation.

What to do: The first step is a conversation with the parents. Talk to them about their child’s reading at home, making it clear that, in school, the child seems to struggle. Do they also struggle at home? Is it sometimes a challenge to get the reading done? Make it clear that the reading diary is not a tool for spying, but an attempt to help the child progress. Make it clear that you are there to help, too. The child may need extra help in class or it may be that the parents have a reason for not reading at home: too busy with a new member of the family, other personal reasons, or sometimes a lack of confidence in reading themselves. 

This conversation, if handled correctly, should shed some light as to where the problems lie. It could be shyness in school, but equally, there could be a challenge in the home that you could assist with.

But remember: Never assume a parent is lying in the reading diary, or that if they are, it is an attempt to deceive. Schools are highly competitive environments and parents will do what they can to ensure their child thrives. Sometimes life or challenges can get in the way - a white lie in the reading diary may sometimes be a cry for help.

Lisa Jarmin is a teacher and freelance writer