Reading is one of the most critical skills kids learn in school---they will probably forget most of the names and dates they learn in history, and may not remember facts in science, but they will use their reading skills every day for the rest of their lives. If your child is struggling with reading, programs help him strengthen his reading skills. First, determine what your child is really struggling with---basic skills, comprehension or motivation.
Basic Skills Programs
Phonics programs teach kids the building blocks for reading: letter sounds, blends, and rules to handle complex words, such as "neighbor." Hooked On Phonics is a classic home reading program based on phonics instruction. It is very similar to the classroom programs your child will encounter in school. For kids struggling with reading in school, another approach may be more effective. Websites that include Starfall.com use games to teach phonics skills.
Reading Comprehension Programs
If your child can read, but needs help understanding and processing what she read, a reading comprehension program will help. Many of these programs rely on visual strategies to help kids translate printed words into images that they can more easily process. Because they emphasize the visual component, many reading comprehension programs are multimedia software packages, such as Reading Comprehension Booster from Merit Software.
Reading Incentive Programs
Some kids need a little extra motivation to sit down and read. Reading incentive programs reward kids for reading a certain number of books or spending a certain number of hours reading. Most public libraries offer reading incentive programs over the summer. During the school year, Pizza Hut offers a similar program that encourages kids to keep track of how many books they read. When they have read the required amount, kids are awarded a certificate for a free pizza, book card and backpack clip.
References
- "Reading Comprehension Instruction: Issues and Strategies;" Katherine Maria; 1990
- National Reading Panel - Findings and Determinations of the National Reading Panel by Topic Areas
