How to Help Your Struggling Reader

Here are some tips to guide you in supporting your child's reading development:

1. Create a Reading Routine: Establishing a regular reading routine can significantly benefit your child. Set aside time each day for reading together. It could be before bedtime, during breakfast, or any other time that works for your family. Consistency is key to making reading a habit.

2. Make it Fun: Engage your child with reading materials that interest them. Whether it's comic books, graphic novels, magazines, or stories about their favorite subjects, find materials that captivate their attention. The more enjoyable the reading experience, the more likely your child will want to practice. Allow them to read books that are just right for them and are not too challenging. The fastest way to discourage your child is to push them to read books that are beyond their 'just right' level'. If you aren't sure if a book is a 'just right' book, do the following - open the book to a random page, have your child start reading, count every time they miss or struggle with a word, if they have more than 5-7 mistakes/errors on one page the book is too difficult, if they have no mistakes/errors the book is probably too easy. Google 5 finger Just Right Reading to learn more about how to find a just right book. Additionally, many family friendly board and card games require reading. Playing a fun and engaging game together is a great opportunity to practice reading skills (and some math skills too!).
3. Read Aloud Together: Reading aloud to your child is one of the most effective ways to improve their reading skills. Choose books that are slightly above their current reading level to introduce them to new vocabulary and concepts. Encourage them to follow along and ask questions to check their understanding. Not a fan of reading out loud? No sweat! Check out your local library's audio books. I highly recommend checking out both the audio and print versions. Follow along in the book together as you listen to the story!
4. Encourage Writing: Writing goes hand in hand with reading. Encourage your child to write stories, journal entries, or even letters to family and friends. Writing helps reinforce reading skills by allowing children to practice spelling, grammar, and sentence structure. Do it together! The more involved you are in helping to create writing pieces the more buy in your child will have to participate!
5. Play verbal word games: Engage your child in verbal word games that require rhyming, blending sounds, changing one sound in a word to make a new word, or counting syllables. Games like these help build phonemic awareness which is fundamental building block to literacy. The best part about playing these kinds of word manipulation games? You can do them anywhere! Driving in the car, cooking dinner, during bedtime routine, waiting in line at the grocery store - pretty much anywhere! Check out this amazing resource from Reading Rockets with all sorts of ideas of word games to play with your child!

6. Create a Literacy-Rich Environment: Surround your child with reading materials at home. Keep a variety of books, magazines, and newspapers easily accessible. Display their artwork and writing creations to celebrate their literacy achievements.

7. Model Reading Behavior: Children often emulate the behavior of adults. Let your child see you reading regularly, whether it's a book, newspaper, or even recipes in the kitchen. Show them that reading is a valuable and enjoyable activity.

If your child is already behind in reading, don't hesitate to seek help. Collaborate with your child's teacher or school support team to develop a personalized plan for intervention and support. Additionally, consider seeking assistance from tutoring programs or educational professionals outside the school system to provide specialized help tailored to your child's needs. Be supportive, and continue to provide opportunities for your child to practice and improve their reading skills.

If you're a parent that is looking for more support and  individualized help, have questions about how to get started helping your child at home, or don't know where to start and would like to learn more please contact me or leave a comment below.  I can provide you with tailored information, create an individualized plan to target your goals for your child, and provide you with training that will  help you meet the unique needs of your child situation.