The school year is halfway over, and it’s a good time to think about how your child is doing in school. If reading has been hard for them, you might wonder: Is this normal, or does my child need help? Recognizing reading struggles early can make a big difference in their learning and confidence.
Why Mid-Year is Important
By now, your child’s teacher knows a lot about how your child learns, and you’ve probably seen patterns in how they read at home. For example, you might notice your child hesitating or guessing words, skipping lines, or avoiding reading altogether. Occasional mistakes are normal, but consistent issues like these might mean they need extra support. Mid-year is a great time to notice these struggles and take action before the school year ends.
5 Signs Your Child May Need Reading Help
Here are some specific signs to watch for:
Avoiding Reading: Your child might not want to read out loud or on their own. This could mean they’re frustrated or don’t feel confident about their reading abilities.
Slow Progress: If your child is still struggling with basic skills like knowing letter sounds, reading sight words, or sounding out words, they may need more support.
Guessing Words: Does your child guess words based on pictures or just the first letter? While this might seem like a clever strategy, it can stop them from learning the skills needed to read words correctly.
Trouble Retelling Stories: Can your child explain what happened in a story after reading? Struggling with this could mean they’re having difficulty understanding what they read.
Getting Upset About Reading: If your child gets frustrated, cries, or refuses to read, it might mean they know they’re struggling but don’t know how to fix it.
What These Signs Mean
While occasional challenges are normal, frequent reading struggles can point to issues like dyslexia or gaps in foundational reading skills. For example, your child might find it hard to sound out words, blend sounds, or remember high-frequency words. Acting early can help prevent these problems from growing.
What You Can Do Right Now
If you’ve noticed these signs, here are three steps you can take right away:
Talk to the Teacher: Your child’s teacher can provide insights about their progress and suggest resources. Ask specific questions like, “What areas do you see my child struggling in?” or “What can we work on at home?” This opens a productive conversation.
Keep Notes About Reading: Use a simple chart to track your child’s reading activities. Include the date, book title, and any struggles or successes you observe. For example, note if they hesitated on specific words or felt confident about their reading. This can be helpful if you seek professional support.
Join My January Workshop: On January 30th, I’m hosting a workshop to help parents figure out if their child’s reading struggles are significant enough to need help. You’ll leave with clear steps to take action and support your child.
Why Acting Early is Key
Reading struggles don’t go away on their own. Addressing them early can build your child’s confidence and skills. This can help them do better in reading and in other subjects like math and science, where reading is also important. Early action can also reduce frustration and anxiety, making learning more enjoyable for your child.
Sign Up for My Workshop
Want to learn more? Join my January 30th workshop: “Mid-year check in: When and how to get reading help.” This session will give you tools and advice to take the best next steps for your child. Spots are limited—sign up here.
Your child’s reading success matters, and it’s never too soon to seek help. Let’s make this mid-year check-in a turning point for their learning.
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