The ability to read opens a child’s imagination and transports her to places she may never go in real life. If you have an older child who is struggling to read, take specific steps to help her succeed. Louisa Moats, Ed.D., advises parents and teachers to take action quickly when reading trouble is noticed. “Reading failure begins early, takes root quickly and affects students for life,” she says. Work with your child on a regular basis to give her the skills she needs to succeed in school and beyond.
Step 1
Assess your child’s reading competencies by speaking with his teachers, having him independently evaluated or meeting with a school guidance counselor. Be proactive in seeking help if you see problems. The Reading Rockets website advises that you not assume your child will become a stronger reader as he grows older.
Step 2
Talk with your child. Ask how she feels about her reading ability. As an older, struggling reader, she is most likely aware that she is behind some of her classmates. Determine what her short- and long-terms goals are. Write them down. Make a list of her interests and explain to her that improving her reading ability may make participating in extra-curricular activities and school more enjoyable and less stressful.
Step 3
Gather the books and materials recommended by his teacher or another parent. Be sure to choose books intended for older children. Avoid books with childish pictures and simple stories. Visit online bookstores or school supply stores in your area for ideas.
Step 4
Meet regularly with your child to develop her reading skills. Work your way through the books, making certain not to skip any lessons. Use flashcards for phonics drills, sound recognition and sight words. Offer rewards or small prizes for quickness and accuracy. Reading fluently takes practice. Having a quick recall is beneficial to developing reading speed and comprehension.
Step 5
Play games that reinforce your lessons. Play concentration, hangman, charade cards and word bingo. Avoid games geared to very young children. Work on word families or rime patterns. According to Kylene Beers, author of the book “When Kids Can’t Read,” riming patterns help the older reader identify words and read more automatically. Words such as "hat," "cat," "bat" and "sat" are examples of rime patterns.
Step 6
Read aloud together. Go beyond the workbooks you are using. Select books that are interesting to your child, like books about science, sports heroes, electronics or animals. If the book is slightly above his reading level, co-read the book. You read one page, and he reads the next. This keeps his frustration level low.
Tips and Warnings
- Periodically reevaluate your child’s abilities. Make adjustments as needed. Involve your child in selecting his workbooks and games. Keep the sessions short. Let your child know you expect her to work hard and concentrate when you work together. Turn off the television. Read as a family. Visit your local library and allow your child to get his own card. Consider offering a financial or special incentive to motivate your child.
- Watch for signs of specific learning disabilities, such as dyslexia. Do not compare your child’s progress to other children in your family.
Things You'll Need
- Paper
- Pencil
- Reading books
- Phonics flashcards
- Prizes
- Concentration cards
- Word bingo
- Books
References
- LD Online: When Older Students Can’t Read
- Reading Rockets: Seeking Help for a Struggling Reader: 8 Steps for Parents
- Math and Reading Help: Common Problems in Reading Faced by Older Students with Learning Disabilities
- “When Kids Can’t Read: What Teachers Can Do: A Guide for Teachers 6-12”; Heinemann; Kylene Beers; 2003
- Educational Leadership: Phonics Instruction for Older Students? Just Say No
