As a parent, there’s a lot you can do to support your struggling reader outside the classroom. Underlining these ten tips is the foundational message that you should meet your child where they are. If they’re lagging, don’t apply pressure or focus on them reaching a certain level. Help your young reader learn and excel where they’re comfortable and develop the foundation necessary to move forward.

1.   Notice Their Strengths 

Focusing on what your child struggles with makes reading feel like something they’re incapable of. By focusing on their reading strengths, you show them that they’re already a successful reader who can build upon their existing skills! 

2.   Celebrate Every Success

While learning to read is an ongoing process, small successes happen along the way. Playing up wins will help your struggling reader associate positive feelings with reading. Reinforce success and give your child something to look back on when they reach the next obstacle. 

3.   Set Realistic Goals

Help your struggling reader set realistic goals and create opportunities for the celebrate-able successes we mention above. By giving them control over their learning process, you make it more enjoyable for both of you! 

4.   Don’t Let Poor Spelling Hold Them Back

Simply put, a child doesn’t have to know how to spell to know how to read. When reading, your child makes letter-sound connections to sound words out. Since different letters can spell the same sounds, a struggling reader might not be able to spell a word that they can read correctly.

5.   Share Your Own Difficulties with Your Child

Sharing your own struggles with your child will let them know you aren’t perfect and they aren’t alone. Show them that even you have to work at things that don’t come easy. Set an example of dedication and perseverance that they can follow.

6.   Read Aloud 

Reading aloud to your child gives them a chance to enjoy the story. Often, struggling readers have to learn from shorter or simpler texts. Read slightly advanced or age-appropriate stories to your child. Help them stay in tune with what their peers are reading and give them an exciting sneak peek at what awaits them on the other side of this journey!

7.   Work with Teachers and Show a United Front

Just like you support your struggling reader to let them know they’re not alone, you – the parent – aren’t alone either! Team up with your child’s teacher and discuss their learning needs to ensure they’re met inside and outside of the classroom. 

8.   Small Steps Lead to Big Improvements

Start with easy tasks that strengthen your child’s foundation for reading. If they struggle decoding words, then do activities that strengthen their phonics. If they struggle to remember what they read, practice reading comprehension. Provide simple tasks that meet your child where they are and add up to the big goal of reading. 

9.   It’s Okay to Read Slowly

A slow reader is still a reader. Slow reading puts less pressure on your child and allows them to take the time to comprehend the story instead of focusing on spelling and speed. Remember, the goal is for them to read accurately!

10. Provide Strategies so They Can Help Themselves

How do you help your child when you’re not there? Prepare them! Show them how to use their reading strengths as models to overcome future obstacles. Let them know it’s okay to ask for help and teach them the kinds of questions they can ask others when you’re not around.

So, take a deep breath and remember that no one – student, teacher, or parent – is alone in this process. With patience, assistance, and these ten tips, you can help your child on their reading journey. 

Next thing you know, they’ll be reading you bedtime stories!

K x