What are some ways I can help my child catch up in reading?

Question

The school says my child is below grade level in reading. The test scores are not proficient. My child doesn't want to read with me.

Answer 1

Hello,

The best way to improve your child’s reading is to have them read! Reading can be fun and exciting, but for a child to improve their reading they have to see reading in that light. It is important to have a child read books that they like and find interesting. Even if the book is above their reading level, let them get it. For reading levels to improve they can read it on their own or you read it to them. Listening comprehension supports reading comprehension. If they do not want to read with you have them read to a stuff animal or a sibling. You can ask your child basic comprehension questions while they are reading as well. Some questions to ask is Who is the main character in the story? Predict what will happen next? Do you like this book, why or why not?

Answer 2

Hey! I'm both an English teacher and special education teacher. I specialize in behavioral disorders and have helped many reluctant readers. Unfortunately reading isn't as instantly gratifying as digital entertainment, so it can be hard to get a child to choose reading. I use small bursts of highly interesting texts to get the kids regularly reading. Depending on the grade and reading level, try to find content that is a grade or two below their reading level with something they are interested in.

Answer 3

You could try to present books that speak to your child's interests. Try a trip to the library and show them the section that is say about sports, for example.That might create the link between books and fun.

Answer 4

Have your child listen to some books on tape while they follow along with the reading itself on paper from cover to cover. You can also have your child listen to musical and watch (educational) media-cinematic renditions of books (YouTube video read-alouds, movies, [public] television programs revolving around popular children's book series, books read aloud/narrated by famous recognizable celebrities whom your kid knows by name) to help your child get different renditions of the books at hand and allow them to make connections among the different presentations thereof so that they can get a better idea of what the book(s) are about and hopefully spark an interest in reading in general within them. As you and your child read the book(s) together, you can discuss their different literary elements on the whole (main characters, setting, plot, themes, conflicts, and shifts and twists among them accordingly as they arise on every page and throughout each chapter) to help check and ultimately improve your child's overall reading comprehension skills along the way.

You can of course also hire a tutor for additional support in the above regard. :)

Answer 5

Read aloud to your child using a fun voice, acting out the scenes, and ask your child to draw or write while you read to them. Listen to audio books together in the car on your way to places. Go to the library often and get books by the same favorite author. Read outside together in the yard or park. Ask questions about the character's motives and life lessons if the book is fiction. Draw a scene from the book in vivid detail together. Have fun being silly with the story. Share your feelings as you read parts of the book, especially what makes you mad or sad and what you are thinking about such as what mind movie you made while hearing the words.