It’s the big words. The stomachache, anxiety, and the “I will do anything,” to avoid reading syndrome. If your child is a struggling reader, you know the drill… and it can be difficult to be both the coach and the referee.

Primarily there are two reasons why children feel such a strong emotion about reading: either they missed some basic skills like decoding, blending, or phonetics during teaching, or they have a learning disability, like dyslexia. Either way, any child, adolescent, and adult can not only learn to read, they can love to read. Here are some tips to help your child:

  • Read together. Demonstrate the joy of reading.
  • Make it interesting. Introduce books that your child can connect to – suitable to their interests. Some reading experts even suggest comic books. The goal is to let your child enjoy some success with reading.
  • Slow down. Let your child read at their pace without always jumping in to help.
  • Picture this. It’s okay to let your child read more picture books – this reinforces the pleasure of simply reading. Plus many children are visual learners and enjoy the color and graphic design of these books.
  • Never show anger or disappointment when reading with your child. Stumbling, struggling and overcoming are valuable life lessons. Patiently and consistently support your child and they will show progress.

It is never too late to rescue a child, or an adult, from the disappointment and difficulties of being a poor reader. Be the hero who helps. Take a moment to share your successes and challenges here.

P.S.

There are proven, affordable reading systems that have helped thousands of students worldwide work through the challenges of being a struggling reader.

Learn more about Reading Horizons At Home reading intervention program ›