Reading is a fundamental skill that helps to open the door to so many opportunities. But, when a child is struggling with reading, it can be difficult for them to keep up in school and can lead to other academic and personal areas also suffering. For parents, it can be an incredibly challenging time, as you want to do everything you can to help your child succeed. That’s why it’s important to be aware of the signs of a struggling reader and recognize when it’s time to get help. Signs that your child may be having difficulty with reading:
Difficulty With New Words: A struggling reader may have difficulty decoding and understanding new words. For example, a child may be able to read a simple sentence but unable to decode a new word or phrase. To help, teach your child the 26 letter names along with this list of 44 basic sounds.
Poor Fluency: Struggling readers are often extremely slow, robotic, and inaccurate when reading aloud. They may have difficulty with automatically recognizing text, often having to pause frequently, stumble over words, and have difficulty remembering what they read. To address this concern, practice reading aloud with your child and focus on accuracy, speed, and expression.
Lack of Comprehension: A child who is having difficulty reading may not be able to understand what they are reading. They may be able to decode the words but not know the overall meaning of the text. To help improve comprehension, practice active reading strategies such as underlining key words, highlighting important facts, and summarizing important ideas.
Loss of Interest in Reading: Struggling readers may demonstrate a lack of reading interest, which can further hinder their progress. They may not want to read, may demonstrate frustration when reading, or choose to avoid books altogether. Keep providing opportunities for them to discover high interest books such as graphic novels in the genre they enjoy.
Poor Vocabulary: Struggling readers may also struggle to understand new vocabulary and may have difficulty with spelling. Try reading books together and discuss the meaning of words and phrases. Also, introduce them to online dictionaries like WordHippo.com and model how to use it as a vocabulary tool.
Difficulty With Other Academics: Struggling readers may also have difficulty with other areas of academic life such as math, science, and writing. This is because reading is the foundation for most other subjects. It can help to talk to your child’s teachers and ask questions about their observations. A professional can help to identify and diagnose any learning disabilities that may be contributing to the difficulty.
It can be difficult to watch your child struggle with reading. It’s a common occurrence for parents to feel a sense of guilt and helplessness. However, it’s important to remember that there are resources available to help. Investing in a skilled reading and writing coach can be a great asset, as we provide personalized instruction and support to help struggling readers get back on track.
Working with a literacy coach can also provide the reinforcement and practice needed to help a child gain the confidence and skills they need to become a successful reader. The good news is once a strong, consistent support system and individualized plan is established for a child, the trajectory of their progress has no limits. I’ve seen the evidence. It takes a village for a child to succeed so build a solid foundation today.
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