Why isn't my child a fluent reader?

Question

Does your student know lots of words but still struggle to decode some? Did you student start as a strong reader but then slowly fall behind as the texts got more complex? Read on in the answers to see why this might be, and then find a tutor who can help!

Answer 1

It's totally normal to worry if your child isn't a fluent reader yet. There are a few reasons this might happen:

1. Phonics Skills: They might still be working on the basics of sounds and letters, which are crucial for decoding words.
2. Vocabulary: If they don't know many words, reading can feel slow and frustrating.
3. Practice: Reading takes practice! If they haven’t had enough opportunities to read, that could affect their fluency.
4. Comprehension: Understanding what they read is just as important as reading the words, so if they struggle with comprehension, it can slow them down.
5. Confidence: Sometimes kids feel anxious about reading, which can hold them back.

If your child excels in other areas but struggles with reading, it might be a good idea to discuss testing for reading disabilities with their teacher. Getting the right support can make a big difference. With the right help and practice, they can become more confident and fluent readers!

I can provide a more personalized opinion if you share their age and experiences with reading so far.

Answer 2

Fluent readers know the targeted vocabulary to decode basic sounds, images, and mental pictures that connect concepts to active understanding. One's mother's language is based on her heritage, cultural identity, and ethnicity or tribal community. A person's targeted language is connected to his/her cultural ethos, pathos, and logos or the person's ideology is based upon the concepts of the following: ethical actions, passions, religion, moral codes of conduct or decorum, and rational, logical, and critical judgments. An individual's is not aware of his or her ideology or culture; this aspect is the invisible skin of thoughts, actions, values, and critical beliefs, and sense of being or Dasein, das Ding-an-sich.

Answer 3

Here's two pillars of reading to think about:

1. Decoding Unknown Words: Even though your child recognizes many words, they still need to be able to decode (or sound out) words they don’t know by sight. This skill helps them tackle unfamiliar words without slowing down. Think of decoding like a toolbox—when they encounter a new word, they can use their decoding skills to figure it out. Without strong decoding abilities, they might pause or hesitate, which can make reading slower.
2. Developing Automaticity: Automaticity is the ability to read quickly and smoothly without having to think too much about each word. When your child develops this skill, they can focus more on understanding what they’re reading, rather than on figuring out each word. It’s like learning to ride a bike—once they don’t have to think about balancing, they can enjoy the ride. Similarly, with automaticity in reading, the words start to flow naturally, which speeds up reading and enhances comprehension.

If your child is still reading slowly, it may be because they’re working hard to decode words or haven’t yet developed full automaticity. Both of these skills take time and practice to build. You can support your child by encouraging reading practice, using tools that help with decoding, and being patient as they develop these important reading skills.

Remember, every child progresses at their own pace, and with continued support, they’ll become a more fluent reader over time!