How can you help my child to get better at reading? They struggle so much at school.

Answer 1

I help children build stronger reading skills through step-by step phonics instruction. We practice connecting letters with sounds, blending sounds to read words, and recognizing spelling patterns. My experience supporting students with dyslexia and teaching underserved students helps me tailor lessons to each child's needs while building confidence. I also encourage short, regular reading practice at home, with plenty of patience and praise for progress.

Answer 2

When a child is struggling with reading, my first goal is to determine exactly where the difficulty begins. Reading struggles can have many causes, so simply telling a child to “read more” may not address the underlying problem.

I use direct, explicit, systematic, multisensory instruction based on the Science of Reading and Orton-Gillingham principles. I teach skills in small, manageable steps and provide plenty of guided practice before expecting a student to work independently.

What does multisensory reading instruction look like?

I involve multiple pathways for learning—see it, say it, hear it, write it, and move it. For example, while learning the word cat, your child might:

1. See it: Look at the letters c-a-t and notice the letter sequence.
2. Say it: Say each sound aloud: /k/ /ă/ /t/, then blend the sounds and say cat.
3. Hear it: Listen to the sounds in cat and identify the beginning, middle, and ending sounds.
4. Write it: Say each sound while writing the corresponding letter: /k/ → c, /ă/ → a, /t/ → t.
5. Use movement (kinesthetic): Push three counters into sound boxes while saying /k/ /ă/ /t/, tap the sounds on their fingers, or build cat with letter tiles before blending the word.

Then we might change just one sound and build a word chain:

cat → cap → map → mop → hop

Your child isn't simply memorizing a list of words. They are seeing, hearing, saying, touching, moving, reading, and spelling as they learn how sounds and letters work together.

As skills develop, I also work on automatic word recognition, fluency, vocabulary, and reading comprehension. I use repeated practice, decodable text, word building, phoneme-grapheme mapping, spelling, oral reading, and comprehension activities according to the child's individual needs.

Most importantly, I meet your child where they are—not simply where their grade level says they should be. I identify the missing skills, explicitly teach them, monitor progress, and adjust instruction when necessary.

Struggling readers need more than additional reading practice. They need to know how reading works. My job is to make that process explicit, systematic, multisensory, and successful—one skill at a time.

Answer 3

Start with these 5 things

1. Read together for 15–20 minutes every day.Let your child choose books they actually enjoy.
2. Take turns reading paragraphs or pages.
3. Don't correct every mistake—focus on understanding and confidence.
4. Work on phonics and decoding.
5. If they have trouble sounding out words, practice:
6. letter sounds
7. short and long vowels
8. blends (bl, st, ch, sh)
9. breaking longer words into syllables
10. recognizing common word patterns
11. Build vocabulary.
12. When they encounter an unfamiliar word, don't just tell them the answer. Ask:

“What part of the word do you recognize?”

“What do you think it might mean from the sentence?”

1. Check comprehension.
2. After a short passage, ask:
3. “What happened?”
4. “Who was this about?”
5. “Why did that happen?”
6. “What do you think will happen next?”
7. Make practice low-pressure.
8. A child who repeatedly feels unsuccessful can start believing, “I'm bad at reading.” We want to replace that with “I can figure this out.”

One thing I would strongly recommend

If your child is struggling significantly at school, talk with their teacher and ask what specific reading skills are below grade level. You can ask whether they are having difficulty with phonemic awareness, phonics/decoding, fluency, vocabulary, or comprehension. Those require somewhat different interventions.

Answer 4

Helping your child to become a better reader requires identifying the problem and finding the solution that will most likely help them. Most of the time, the child is busy playing and avoiding hardwork; but, there are countless examples of barriers to learning like: dyslexia, anxiety, attention deficiency... that could be a barrier to your child's effective learning. As an educator, I can establish a safe and kind environment full with tolerance and positivity. Learning requires time and repetitive practice using the five senses. I can apply taylored strategies that fit with your child's needs, and help reinstill the love of reading in them.

Answer 5

Of course! The short answer is that it takes time. Reading and comprehension is a difficult thing to do. I encourage you to not give up and accept that this will take a lot of effort to accomplish. The biggest thing to improve it is simply, reading. This is a kind of activity that doesn't need much practicing or rehearsal, but just "game time", full on attempts. Find a handful of good, age-specific books that they are able to read, with some help, but be able to understand. It should be difficult but passable. You do not want to rush into it and pick a very difficult book, as then they will get bored or will understand to little of the book to gain anything. Start slow, have reading times, and READ OUT LOUD! reading something out loud forces your brain to have to work extra hard to understand what you are reading so that you can turn around and say it. Keep a dictionary ready to be able to learn words you come across and do not know. Learning vocabulary and spelling also help a lot. It is important to get your child to grow to like reading. Instead of watching a movie, read for an hour, or practice spelling, or learn a new word. These challenge your brain to use more power to grasp these concepts. After all, your brain is a muscle like any others. It needs a warm up and "stretching" and it needs its "heavy lifting" to build memory of what you cover.

Answer 6

Hello! First of all, you are not alone. I am an "ancient' educator who has lived through the good, the bad, and the ugly of reading instruction. My suggestion is that you look online and download for free the San Diego Quick Reading Assessment. Give it to your child. If he/she can read some of the words correctly but either struggles with others to read correctly, gets parts correct, or misreads entirely, you can get an idea of what is lacking. Most commonly, the child has been taught to look at words "as a whole" and not reading left to right, from beginning to end. Be aware that most teachers themselves have not been taught to read correctly, so they do not know how to help their own students.

With the SD assessment, it will become clear to you why your child is frustrated in school. On the assessment, for example, if your child is accurate reading all of the 3-grade-level words, but is in 6th-grade, then THAT IS THE PROBLEM! It is highly and quickly fixable, using a fast-paced program with IMMEDIATE SUCCESS. Let me know if I can help.

Answer 7

Hello, my name is Denise. I’m new to Wyzant. As I was scrolling this site, I came across your question. My heart immediately went out to you and your child as I’ve seen children just like yours struggle with reading which affects other subjects as well. Although this is an older post, I felt compelled to simply reach out to see if I could assist you and your child if he or she is still struggling. I have fun, easy and interactive ways to improve reading with fast results. Your child can become a confident well rounded reader with extra patience, time spent practicing in a fun way, motivational progress charts, understanding his or her reasoning for difficulty and much praise/ cheering them on to success. Please feel free to reach out to me if you feel the need for your child to be tutored if he or she doesn’t have one already. If he or she does have one, I send my well wishes of progress and success.

Answer 8

Every child can become a stronger reader with the right support and encouragement. The first step is identifying where they're struggling, whether it's phonics, fluency, vocabulary, or reading comprehension, so instruction can be tailored to their specific needs.

I encourage parents to make reading a positive daily habit, even if it's just 15–20 minutes a day. Reading books that match a child's interests helps build confidence and motivation, while discussing the story before, during, and after reading strengthens comprehension and critical thinking skills.

Most importantly, celebrate progress rather than perfection. When children feel successful and supported, they become more confident readers, and that confidence often leads to greater improvement both in and out of the classroom.

Answer 9

I begin by identifying exactly where your child is struggling, whether it is decoding words, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, confidence, or a combination of skills. From there, I use structured, supportive lessons that match your child’s current level while building on their interests and strengths. I break reading into manageable steps, provide plenty of encouragement, and use engaging texts, visuals, and discussion to make reading feel less frustrating. My goal is not only to strengthen reading skills, but also to help your child become a more confident and willing reader.

Answer 10

Watching your child struggle with reading is tough, and it often feels heavier when you spend your days thinking about pedagogy, mediation, and learning frameworks. When it's your own child, the emotional weight can make it hard to step back and apply the tools you already know.

At around seven or eight years old, school expectations shift drastically from "learning to read" to "reading to learn." If there are any hidden gaps in foundational phonics, this is exactly when they hit a wall.

Here is how you can adapt your educator toolkit into targeted, low-stress interventions at home:

1. Pinpoint the Bottleneck

Reading breaks down into two distinct tracks. Watch closely the next time they read to identify where the friction is:

1. Decoding (The Mechanics): Are they guessing words based on the first letter? Are they struggling to blend sounds (like sh-i-p)? If they are exhausting all their cognitive energy just decoding the words on the page, they will retain zero comprehension.
2. Comprehension (The Meaning): Can they read the words smoothly, but have no idea what the paragraph was actually about?

2. Apply the "Flipped" Approach to Reading

Cold reading a new text is intimidating. You can "flip" the reading experience at home by priming the material before they ever look at the words.

1. Pre-teach: Before opening the book, discuss the topic. Look at the pictures together. Ask, "What do you think is going to happen?"
2. Pre-load Vocabulary: Pull out 3 or 4 difficult words from the chapter and talk about what they mean beforehand.

This lowers the cognitive load. When they finally hit those words in the text, they already have a mental hook for them.

3. Scaffold with Paired Reading

Don't make them read a whole chapter alone. Share the heavy lifting.

1. The "I Read, You Read" Method: You read a page (or a paragraph), modeling good fluency and expression. Then, they read the next one.
2. Audio Tracking: Have them listen to an audiobook while following along with their finger in the physical book. This links the visual word to the correct pronunciation without the frustration of getting stuck.

4. De-stigmatize the Struggle

Kids this age are highly aware of where they stand relative to their peers, which can severely damage their confidence.

1. Separate "reading for practice" from "reading for pleasure." If they are exhausted, it is completely okay for you to just read to them. Keeping their love for stories alive is just as important as the mechanics of reading.
2. Find high-interest, lower-level books like graphic novels or comic books. The visual context clues help with decoding, and the faster pacing keeps them engaged.

Here is an interactive tool you can use together to practice blending sounds. It gamifies the mechanics of reading so it feels less like a formal worksheet:

Answer 11

Hello, may name is Karen. With over 35 years as a teacher, cognitie skills specialist, and licensed/certified practitioner, My goal is to help students become comfortable, independent learners.

As an author of a digital auditory/visual textbook "Reading Sounds Write," I chan the super complex English language into an uncomplex one!

How Master the Code completely transforms a student's basic reading system!

What is Master the Code?

It is a revolutionary "sound-to-code" reading program modeled after the process by which spoken language is first learned. The program builds reading and spelling concurrently through techniques that train students to accurately recognize and understand letters and letter combinations, and the corresponding sounds of speech. The program aids individuals of all ages who struggle with reading, but is expecially beneficial for student readers who have developed inefficient or inaccurate reading habits.

The program starts with blending, segmenting, and sound analysis. Students are taught to segment words into isolated phonemes and blend isolated sounds into words. (Encoding-spelling), (decoding-reading), and writing exercises are used to make the reversibility of the code clear.

Research demonstrates that reading and spelling instructions share overlapping cognitive resources.The brain processes printed words shared by mental representations for both reading and spelling.This explains why improving one skill leads to growth in the other. WE go from Simple to Complex: It goes from most probable to least probable spelling for each sound, the least probable alternative spellings are introduced.

Key Strategies to IMprove Both Skills:

1. Employ multisensory learning by engaging in multiple senses (visual, auditory, and tactile).
2. Incorporate word games: reinforce skills with fun, interactive activities.
3. Encourage
4. Writing Exercises: provide regular opportunities for students to practice spelling in content.
5. Address commonly misspelled words.
6. Study Whole Words and Sounds: recognize and also analyzing their phonetic components.
7. Correct Errors Promptly: Provide immediate feedback on spelling errors to enforce accurate spelling patterns.

Beyond Memorization

Effective spelling instruction involves more than rote memorization. While some words require explicit teaching, understanding the patterns and logic behind English spelling empowers students to approach new words with confidence--whether reading or writing them. By fostering this understanding, we help students develop stronger literacy skills and a deeper mastery of the English language.

Answer 12

The best thing to do to help your child with reading is to be patient with them.

Something that may come easily to you is most likely not coming easily to them, and it's not from their lack of trying.

Let them try on their own and let them try to pronounce it on their own. If they seem like they can't figure it out, read the word to them slowly and possibly explain why it sounds the way it does.

Pick a fun book for them to read! If they love space, get them a book on space! Make sure it is at their reading level because if there are too many words they don't know, they could get frustrated and not want to continue reading the book.

Always encourage them and give them positive reinforcement. The more you make your child feel at ease reading for you, the more confident they will be to read out load for you and for you to be able to help them.

The bottom line is to make reading a fun experience and not a chore or something they dread.

Answer 13

When a child is struggling with reading, the most important first step is identifying exactly where the breakdown is happening. Reading is not one skill, but a combination of skills, including phonics (decoding words), fluency (reading smoothly), vocabulary, comprehension, and attention. Once we know the specific area of difficulty, instruction becomes much more targeted and effective.

In my tutoring sessions, I begin by assessing the student’s reading level informally and observing how they interact with text. This helps determine whether they need support with sounding out words, building reading stamina, understanding meaning, or developing confidence. From there, I design lessons that meet them at their current level so they can experience success right away, which is critical for rebuilding motivation.

I also incorporate structured, research-informed strategies such as guided reading, repeated reading for fluency, vocabulary support through context, and active comprehension questions. Just as important, I choose engaging, age-appropriate texts so reading feels meaningful rather than frustrating.

At home, even short daily reading practice (15–20 minutes) can make a significant difference when it is consistent and supportive. Reading together, asking simple questions about the text, and allowing children to read material they are interested in can help reinforce skills and build confidence over time.

Ultimately, struggling readers improve most when instruction is consistent, individualized, and focused on both skill-building and confidence.

Answer 14

Like teachers, parents play an important role in helping children become stronger readers. Consistent reading practice at home, even for 10 minutes a day, can make a significant difference. Reading together, asking simple comprehension questions, practicing sight words, and encouraging a positive attitude toward reading can help build confidence and reinforce skills learned in lessons.

Since the child is struggling, the focus should be on identifying the specific areas of difficulty and providing targeted support. With patience, encouragement, and consistent practice both at home and during lessons, many students can make meaningful progress in phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and reading comprehension over time.

Answer 15

I would start by doing a few informal reading assessments to evaluate your child's reading level and in which areas they face challenges. As a special education teacher for students with mild/moderate support needs, I help children with varying challenges improve their reading and help them learn to use assistive technology to assist them.

Once I determined where your child needs the most help, I would practice reading exercises in the zone of proximal development to assist them in learning new skills that are within reach. My goal with every student is to get them caught up to grade-level standards so they can participate and succeed in general education classes. I have taught many students who struggle with dyslexia and helped them succeed and gain confidence reading grade-level texts. I use positive reinforcement strategies to motivate them to read challenging texts. There's nothing more rewarding to me than seeing a student begin to love reading after disliking it for years.

If your child is struggling with reading, I would be happy to teach them new skills and make reading fun, not laborious.

Answer 16

I would start by getting to know your child’s specific reading challenges, such as whether they struggle more with sounding out words, reading fluently, understanding what they read, or staying focused while reading. From there, I would break reading into smaller, less overwhelming steps and use patient, encouraging practice to help them build confidence.

During sessions, I would use strategies such as reading together, asking comprehension questions, practicing vocabulary, reviewing difficult words, and helping your child summarize what they read in their own words. I would also give lots of positive feedback, so reading feels less frustrating and more manageable.

My goal would be to create a calm, supportive environment where your child feels comfortable making mistakes and asking for help. I want them to not only improve their reading skills, but also feel more confident at school!

Answer 17

I would begin by helping you understand where your child is struggling and why reading has become difficult for them. Many children who struggle with reading are working very hard, but they may be missing one or more foundational skills. Once we know whether the difficulty is connected to sounds, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, or confidence, we can support them in a more targeted way.

I would use short, explicit lessons that give your child time to practice without feeling overwhelmed. Struggling readers often need skills broken down into smaller steps, with modeling, guided practice, encouragement, and opportunities to try again. I would also want your child to experience success during each session, even if the steps are small.

I would encourage reading through materials that are interesting and appropriate for your child’s current level. Children need structured instruction, but they also need positive experiences with books and text. When reading feels safe, engaging, and meaningful, children are more willing to take risks, make mistakes, and keep trying.

Most importantly, I would want you and your child to know that struggling with reading does not mean your child is not smart or capable. Reading is a set of skills that can be strengthened with the right support, patience, and practice.

Answer 18

I understand how discouraging it can be when your child is struggling with reading. As a second grade teacher with a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction, I work with students every day who need extra support building foundational literacy skills. I use evidence-based practices rooted in the science of reading, including explicit phonics instruction, fluency practice, vocabulary development, and comprehension strategies, while tailoring each lesson to your child’s individual needs.

My goal is not only to improve reading ability but also to build confidence and help students feel successful. Through engaging, structured lessons and ongoing progress monitoring, I help children make meaningful, measurable growth that carries over into the classroom.

Answer 19

First, I want to say that you are already doing the right thing by looking for help. That matters more than you know.

Reading struggles are really common, especially in the early grades, and most kids with the right support catch up beautifully. So please do not worry too much.

The best thing you can do at home is read together every single day, even just 10 or 15 minutes before bed. Take turns, make it cozy, let it be a bonding time rather than a homework task. Kids learn so much just from hearing a confident reader next to them.

Make sure the books are at a comfortable level for them. It is tempting to push harder books but right now what your child needs most is to feel successful. A child who enjoys reading easy books will get to the harder ones naturally over time.

If phonics is the issue, letter sounds and how words are built, there are fun games and activities that make practice feel like play rather than school. That is usually where I start with young readers.

And if the struggle feels significant or your child seems frustrated or avoids reading altogether, it may be worth asking the school for a reading assessment. Some kids just need a different approach, and finding that out early is a real gift.

You are clearly a caring parent. With a little extra support your child will get there.

Answer 20

As an educator with 30 plus years of experience and who has a son that struggled in elementary school with phonics and comprehension, the first step is to try and engage the child meaningfully in the reading task:

1. Is the activity significant to the child? Does it pertain to the child's life and prior knowledge.
2. Does the task capture the child's curiosity and provide a meaningful reason for participation? For example, if a child loves animals, instead of reading a generic passage from a workbook, I would direct the child to read a short article about dolphins and then watches a brief video clip about how dolphins communicate.
3. Is the task at an achievable level as to build on his/her confidence? Establishing confidence through successful experiences allows for the gradual introduction of more complex tasks, fostering skill development, independence, and resilience.

Answer 21

I help children get better at reading by breaking the process down into simple, manageable steps that match their pace and learning style. Many students struggle because reading feels overwhelming, so I focus on building confidence first through short, achievable wins. I use a mix of phonics support, guided reading, and comprehension strategies to help them understand what they’re reading instead of just sounding out words.

During sessions, I model how to think through a text, ask the right questions, and make meaning from what they read. I also choose engaging, level‑appropriate materials so your child feels successful rather than frustrated. My goal is to help them feel more confident, more capable, and more excited about reading over time.

Answer 22

While I don’t teach children myself, I wanted to echo what a few others have touched on: please remember to lean into your child's true passions and interests right now. When reading is built entirely around topics they already love, it completely shifts the dynamic from a stressful chore into something safe, fun, and motivating.

Sometimes a text might be really interesting, but too hard to read. Here's a tip- feed that text into an AI chatbot and ask it to simplify the text to a lower reading level. Once your reader gets through the simplified text successfully, do it again at a slightly higher level. Repeat this as many times as you want until the reader can confidently navigate the original authentic text. Good luck!

Answer 23

I understand how frustrating it can feel when a child struggles with reading, but with the right support, patience, and targeted instruction, children can make tremendous growth. I specialize in early literacy and Spanish reading instruction for Kindergarten and 1st grade students, and I focus on building strong foundational skills such as phonemic awareness, phonics, decoding, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.

I use engaging, step-by-step lessons that are tailored to each child’s individual learning style and pace. My goal is not only to improve reading skills, but also to help children build confidence and feel successful as learners. I create a supportive environment where students feel encouraged, comfortable making mistakes, and motivated to keep growing.

I also maintain communication with families so we can work together to support your child’s progress both during lessons and at home.

Answer 24

If your child is struggling with reading, the most important thing to know is that improvement is possible with the right kind of support. The goal is to build skills step by step while also helping your child feel more confident and less frustrated.

Start by making sure reading is happening at the right level. If a book is too hard, your child has to work so much on decoding that comprehension breaks down. It’s okay—actually helpful—to use easier texts so they can practice understanding. You can also read together: take turns reading, or let them follow along while listening to an audiobook. This builds comprehension without overwhelming them.

It also helps to focus on the specific skill that’s causing the struggle. Some children have difficulty with decoding (sounding out words), while others can read the words but don’t understand what they mean. If decoding is the issue, they may need structured practice with phonics patterns and multisyllabic words. If comprehension is the issue, they’ll benefit from stopping to summarize, ask questions, and talk through the text.

Keep reading time short and consistent—about 15–20 minutes a day—and build in quick conversations. Ask things like, “What just happened?” or “What do you think will happen next?” These small check-ins make a big difference over time.

Most importantly, protect your child’s confidence. Let them choose topics they enjoy, celebrate effort (not just accuracy), and remind them that reading is a skill that grows with practice.

Answer 25

Hi! You’re not alone — many bright kids struggle with reading, and it often has nothing to do with ability. What helps most is slowing things down, figuring out exactly where reading is breaking down, and rebuilding confidence step by step.

Here’s how I support a child who’s having a hard time:

• I look closely at what’s happening when they read.

Are they guessing? Getting stuck on certain patterns? Losing the meaning? Those small clues tell me exactly where to begin.

• I meet them at a level where reading still feels possible.

Kids make the most progress when the work is challenging but not overwhelming. I never start where a curriculum says they “should” be — I start where they can feel successful.

• I build skills and confidence together.

When reading has been hard for a while, kids often feel anxious or defeated. I use calm routines, clear steps, and lots of encouragement so reading feels safe again.

• I tailor every session to your child.

Some kids need phonics support, some need fluency practice, some need help understanding what they read — and many need a mix. I adjust based on what your child shows me.

If you’d like to talk through what you’re seeing at home, I’m happy to help you figure out the next step.

Answer 26

First off, I can assure you you're not alone, as countless children struggle with reading at school. But to answer your question, let me (1) outline three key reasons why reading does, in fact, go wrong at school and (2) contrast them with what I do.

REASON #1: Many children have undiagnosed conditions that make reading hard.

WHAT I DO: In many cases, parents can tell me if their children have any conditions that make reading unusually hard. But if they're not sure, I watch for symptoms as I work with children and if I see enough for any condition, I recommend an evaluation. For those who really struggle to hear sounds in words, for example, I recommend dyslexia evaluations. Or if they're fidgety, etc. beyond the "kids will be kids" level, I point toward ADHD. Whatever the condition may be, diagnosis is key because it reveals the child's learning needs like nothing else will and allows them to finally be met.

REASON #2: Schools often use curricula that don't work for all students.

WHAT I DO: My instruction is heavily based on the Science of Reading and if a certain approach, etc. consistently fails students, I just don't use it. For example, many schools teach decoding (i.e. sounding out words) with what's sometimes called the "sound-sound-word" approach. With the word "cat," for example, students say the first sound (/k/), then the next (/ă/), then the last (/t/) and repeat multiple times at an increasingly rapid pace until the word itself is produced. While this approach may seem reasonable, research shows that it only works for about 70 percent of students. So instead of this, I teach the "successive blending" approach. Sticking with the word "cat," this approach has students first say the /k/ and /ă/ sounds just like before. But they then blend those sounds together before moving on to the /t/. Then, after saying that last sound, they blend all three sounds together to say "cat" in full. As subtle as this difference may be, successive blending works for all students, not just most.

REASON #3: Some children need more individualized instruction than schools typically provide.

WHAT I DO: My lessons are exclusively one-on-one and I only take on 10 - 15 students at a time. This allows me to deliver highly individualized instruction with:

1. phonics
2. decoding
3. word recognition
4. vocabulary
5. background knowledge
6. fluency
7. comprehension
8. anything and everything else that goes into reading

I hope that's helpful and best of luck to your child in their reading journey!

Answer 27

Reading struggles are more common than most parents realize, and they rarely mean a child isn't smart or capable. What they usually mean is that something in the way reading was taught didn't quite click for that child — and that's exactly what I help with.

Here's how I approach it:

I slow down.

Most reading instruction moves fast. I don't. I take the time to figure out exactly where things broke down — phonics, fluency, comprehension, or something else entirely — and I start there, not where the curriculum says your child "should" be.

I look closely.

Not just at test scores or reading levels, but at how your child reads. What they do when they hit a hard word. Whether they're guessing or decoding. The details tell me everything.

I make reading feel possible again.

Kids who struggle often start to believe they're just "bad readers." I work hard to change that story — because confidence and skill build each other.

Every child I work with is different, and every plan I build is different too. There's no one-size-fits-all approach here.

If you'd like to talk through what you're seeing, I'd love to connect. Sometimes just having a conversation clarifies next steps — no commitment required.

You don't have to figure this out alone.

Answer 28

I hear you—as a parent and a tutor, I know how heartbreaking it is to see your child feeling anxious and defeated at school. When a child struggles like this, they can start associating reading with failure. That is the first roadblock or mental block you need to clear.

As many other tutors have mentioned, there is no magic fix-all solution. To improve anyone’s reading ability requires a multi-faceted approach:

Identify the Gap. First, pinpoint the learning gap through a formal assessment, your own observations, feedback from the school or a tutor, or a balanced combination of all three.

1. Can the child learner hear and play with sounds in their head?
2. Can they rhyme words?
3. Have they unlocked the alphabet code, blends, and vowel pairs?

Answers to these questions help you and the tutor identify strengths and weaknesses, and find a good starting point.

Keep the Fun in Functional. If reading is a chore, take the "work" out of the picture. Listen to audiobooks while running errands or driving to school. Some parents consider audiobooks a shortcut or hack, but that is a fallacy. Audiobooks build vocabulary and comprehension while the child works on the mechanical "decoding" part. It keeps their brain sharp so they don't fall behind in knowledge while they catch up in skill.

Then, have some fun with it:

1. Play with the story: Practice choosing voices for characters or ask open-ended questions like, “What do you think the Shire looks like?”
2. Tactile practice: Choose words from a story and “air write” them or keep a double supply of magnetic letters on the fridge to spell out words.
3. Functional literacy: Dictate a grocery list for them to write, or have them write "thinking of you" notes to grandparents. Have them read road signs, billboards, grocery aisle signs (i.e. "Son, what aisle will I find the bread?"), or read comics together.
4. Subtitles: Since kids use computers so much at school, I’m a proponent of limited screen time at home. However, when you do stream a show, turn on the subtitles. It’s a low-budget, high-value way to associate spoken words with text without them feeling like they are “studying.”
5. Strategic Library Trips: Check out an equal number of "child-chosen" books and "tutor-chosen" books. Letting them pick what interests them keeps them engaged, while the recommended books ensure they are advancing their comprehension, vocabulary, spelling and other language art skills.

These small steps remove the performance anxiety common in classrooms and shows your child that reading is a tool for life, not just another class to pass.

Read and Reap: Again, this works but do not expect a quick fix. It takes daily, consistent, repetitive practice—whether intentional or subtle. Over time, you will see marked improvement.

Answer 29

Hello,

I see this so much when I tutor grade school through high school students. I think the issue is that what schools teach students and have them do are mostly designed standardized tests or other core competencies..

Students who struggle with those exercises in school are often no "fans of reading." The reason is because they start off feeling behind. They have internalized that reading and answering those questions can be humiliating. They get punished for trying. The pattern is usually is something similar to this: reading becomes stressful, public, and confidence-draining. After enough “wrong answers” and uncomfortable moments, many kids start to avoid reading altogether, which makes improvement even harder. The result is they pull away from reading and do not enjoy it.

I started teaching English 101 and Intro to Linguistics back in the late 1990s. I can tell from reading any writing by a student who is a reader and who is not. I think most English teachers can see this.

The good news is that reading is not one skill. Reading is comprised of a bundle of skills, and students can be strong in some and weak in others. In tutoring, I start by pinpointing where the breakdown is, for example:

1. Decoding and phonics (trouble sounding out words, slow reading)
2. Fluency (accuracy, pace, phrasing, stamina)
3. Vocabulary (not knowing key words blocks comprehension)
4. Comprehension (understanding, summarizing, inference)
5. Attention and working memory (losing the thread, forgetting what was read)

My approach starts with figuring out why a student is struggling. Giving your child more reading that is like school work is going to end up being counter productive. This is not always the case as I have seen students learn to improve by doing school exercises; however, I would definitely say that is not the norm.

Reading should be for enjoyment and entertainment. If your child does not read for either of those reasons, then by the time he or she is in a university then it might be too late. Find ways to make reading fun and enjoyable. The goal isn't just improving grades. Grade improvement is a byproduct. The goal is helping students become someone who actually reads.

Answer 30

1. Figure out what reading level they are.
2. Find out their strengths and weaknesses.
3. Go back to the basics- phonics really does work.
4. Practice practice practice (It makes perfect)

Answer 31

When a child is struggling with reading, it can feel frustrating and confusing for them and for you. In almost every case, it’s not about effort or ability. It’s simply that they haven’t received instruction that matches how their brain learns. That’s exactly where I come in.

I’m a New York State certified Reading and Special Education teacher with a Master’s in Reading and Literacy, Orton-Gillingham training, and over a decade of experience supporting struggling and dyslexic readers. I’ve worked in public schools, private practice, and I am currently enrolled in the Dyslexia Training Institute’s Certificate Program, which deepens my expertise in evidence-based instruction.

Because of that background, I’m able to pinpoint why a child is struggling and create a plan that actually works.

Here’s what working together looks like:

1. A clear, expert assessment of your child’s reading profile.

We identify the root issues: phonological awareness, decoding, spelling patterns, memory for words, fluency, or confidence. I look beyond grade-level scores to understand the skills beneath them.

2. Instruction grounded in the Science of Reading.

I use structured, multisensory methods like Orton-Gillingham that are backed by decades of research on how the brain learns to read. This approach is systematic, explicit, and tailored to your child.

3. Multisensory routines that make learning “stick.”

We tap into visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and tactile pathways to help your child truly understand how words work. This builds stronger decoding skills, more accurate spelling, and greater fluency.

4. A huge focus on confidence and emotional support.

Many kids come to me feeling defeated. That changes once they experience real success. I teach skills, but I also help rebuild their belief in themselves.

5. Collaboration with you every step of the way.

You will always know what we are working on, how it’s going, and simple ways to support progress at home without adding stress.

Answer 32

Hello:

I am sorry to hear that your child is struggling at school. That is difficult for any parent.

I would need additional information to help you figure out a way forward, though. How old is your child, and what is the source of their struggles in school? That information will help me help you help your child improve as a reader.

Answer 33

Helping a child get better at reading can be a fun and rewarding experience! There are several strategies you can try to improve their reading skills. Here are some ideas that I use in my classroom and I have used them with my own child as well:

1. Choose the Right Reading Material

1. Interest-Based Reading: Make sure the books match the child's interests. If they like football, animals, or princesses, pick books related to those themes to keep them engaged.
2. Level-Appropriate Books: Start with books that are not too difficult but still provide a bit of a challenge. This way, the child doesn’t feel overwhelmed but can still improve.
3. Don't Limit Reading to Just Books: When your child is watching TV turn on the closed caption. At breakfast you read the back of the cereal box with them and play the games.

2. Read Aloud Together

1. Take turns reading aloud. You read one page, they read the next. This helps them build confidence and practice pronunciation.
2. You can also stop and discuss the story together as you go to make sure they understand what's happening.

3. Phonics Practice

1. If the child is just starting to read, practicing phonics (sounds of letters and combinations of letters) is key. Use games or flashcards to make this more interactive.
2. Play rhyming games or make up silly stories to practice word sounds.

4. Build Vocabulary

1. Introduce new words while reading. If the child doesn’t know a word, explain it using simple language and give examples.
2. Help them find synonyms for words or look up words together in a dictionary (even better, do this with a picture dictionary for younger children!).

5. Ask Questions

1. After reading a section or a chapter, ask questions about what they just read. This helps with comprehension. For example:
2. "What do you think will happen next?"
3. "Why did the character do that?"
4. "How did the character feel when that happened?"

6. Create a Reading Routine

1. Set aside a regular time each day for reading. A consistent reading routine can improve fluency over time.

7. Use Technology

1. There are many apps and websites designed to make reading fun, like Starfall, Epic!, or Teach Your Monster to Read. These can help children practice in an interactive and engaging way.

8. Praise Effort, Not Just Achievement

1. Celebrate small wins! If they read a whole book, say something like, "You worked so hard to finish that!" This will motivate them to keep reading.

9. Make it Fun

1. Use activities like acting out stories or drawing pictures about what they read. You could also create a “reading scavenger hunt” where they look for certain words or objects in a story.
2. As your are driving down the road, play games like "I Spy."

10. Be Patient

1. Every child learns at their own pace, so try to be patient and encouraging. Celebrate every little progress, and remind them that reading is a skill that improves with time.

Do you have a child or someone in mind you're helping with reading? I can offer more tailored tips if you'd like!

Answer 34

I know how hard it is to watch your child struggle with reading. I meet children where they are and teach in a supportive way using the Orton-Gillingham approach, which breaks reading into clear, manageable steps and uses hands-on learning. This is especially helpful for children with dyslexia or reading anxiety. We move at your child’s pace, rebuild confidence, and help reading begin to feel possible instead of overwhelming.

Answer 35

Reading is a like a muscle, and it gets better with practice. The key for most students is to find books that they love outside of their school curriculum. Not only will they find a subject that excites them, but they will want to read. As a tutor, I strongly suggest that students read outside of school. The amount depends on their level of reading and age.

That being said, I would need to get to the root of what is making the subject so difficult for them at school. Is learning how to read the problem? Or, is the issue reading comprehension? Both of these things can be improved! And while learning how to read is essential to gaining excellent reading comprehension, just because a student can read well doesn't mean they interpret what their reading.

I will always ask students what they specifically struggle with when it comes to reading, and develop a plan from there.

Answer 36

That is a terrific question. In my experience as an elementary classroom teacher, the best strategy have found is to listen to the student as they read... Each student is as individual as a fingerprint, this goes for reading as well. When listening to readers, especially beginning readers, can deduce where the reading needs the most support. For instance, sometimes a student will say each letter in a word like 'cat'...the pronunciation can be quite choppy, many times this indicates a possible struggle going from identifying letters to forming words with those letters. Be glad to tutor your child to be an amazing reader! Please review my Profile and Instant Booking time slots, we can start as soon as you like! Thank you much, Stef

Answer 37

I would help by first identifying why your child struggles—whether it's decoding, fluency, or comprehension—and then by using tailored, multi-sensory techniques that build confidence and skill.

My approach is patient, fun, and leverages their unique strengths, turning frustration into a sense of accomplishment.

Let's work together to make reading an enjoyable journey for your young learner..

Answer 38

I see a lot of great answers! All of it is correct. I am more than confident that I can support both you and your learner experience success with an abundant amount of targeted knowledge and strategy in phonics, fluency, reading comprehension, critical thinking, and engagement.

However, in my experience, the following factors proved to be the most important factors that lead to strong, engaged readers:

1. Learners feel like they can be successful.
2. Learners see and celebrate their successes.
3. Learners enjoy what they are reading.

In short, keeping students engaged and motivated. This takes a talented teacher! I can definitely help.

YES: Assess areas needing improvement and strengths

YES: High-interest, low difficulty text

YES: Implement targeted practice that engages the child and builds their skills.

BUT AGAIN, most importantly, implement engaging ways for your students to experience success and build a sense of competency. None of what we do matters if the learner does not experience growth in both their skill and autonomy. The biggest is the learner knowing she can do it. This way, any future reading challenge the learner confronts, she will have the grit, courage, and enthusiasm to work through it.

I'd love to help you and the learning community! Hope to speak soon.

Answer 39

The first thing is to do an assessment. I would have the student read some text. From that I can determine if they are having problems with recognizing words. If so, some instruction in phonics would help. Then we would read a brand new story and I would ask the student some questions about images in the story that show their ability to interpret information. I would include some fun learning activities of course.

Answer 40

Reading struggles are more common than most parents realize, and the good news is that with the right support, children can make fast and lasting progress. I focus on building reading confidence through personalized instruction that targets your child’s specific needs — whether that’s phonics, comprehension, vocabulary, or fluency.

My lessons combine proven strategies in literacy development with encouragement and patience to help students rediscover the joy of reading. I also teach students how to recognize word patterns, improve decoding skills, and develop strategies for understanding meaning rather than just “sounding out” words.

Every child learns differently, so I always adapt my approach to match their pace, strengths, and interests. With consistent practice and positive reinforcement, your child will begin reading more fluently — and start to feel proud of their progress.

Answer 41

I can definitely help with that — and I’m really glad you reached out. Reading struggles are common, and with the right mix of strategies, practice, and encouragement, most children make major progress.

Here’s a structured plan I can create and work through with your child:

🌱 1. Find Out What’s Causing the Struggle

Before jumping into lessons, I can help you identify where the challenge is:

1. Phonics: Trouble sounding out words or recognizing letter patterns.
2. Fluency: Reading too slowly or without expression.
3. Comprehension: Reading words correctly but not understanding what they mean.
4. Confidence/Anxiety: Avoiding reading because they feel frustrated or embarrassed.

I can guide you through a few quick, informal reading checks to pinpoint which area(s) need attention.

📘 2. Create a Personalized Reading Plan

Once we know the challenge, I can design a weekly plan that includes:

1. Short daily reading sessions (10–20 minutes)
2. Targeted skill activities — for example:
3. Fun phonics games for decoding practice
4. “Echo reading” or “paired reading” for fluency
5. Short comprehension questions for meaning
6. Tracking progress with a simple chart so your child sees improvement over time.

🎯 3. Use High-Interest, Low-Difficulty Books

Kids improve faster when they actually like what they’re reading.

I can recommend books that:

1. Match your child’s reading level and age
2. Feature topics they enjoy (e.g., animals, space, adventures)
3. Have strong visual support and predictable text patterns

💬 4. Practice Together With Support

I can model step-by-step techniques you can use at home, such as:

1. Echo reading: You read a sentence; your child repeats it.
2. Choral reading: Read together at the same time.
3. Preview and predict: Talk about what might happen next to build comprehension.

🧠 5. Build Confidence and Motivation

Kids who struggle often start believing “I’m just bad at reading.”

I can help design a reward system or mini-goals that keep it positive — for example:

1. Stickers or points for completing books
2. Celebrating each milestone (“You just read 100 pages this month!”)

Answer 42

I’d love to help your child with reading. The best place to start is by building their confidence. I usually work on phonics (helping them connect letters and sounds), fluency (reading short passages over again until they feel smooth), and comprehension (talking about what the story means). I also use books and topics they enjoy, so it feels fun instead of frustrating. Even just 10–15 minutes a day of reading together can make a big difference. I can also share some simple practice activities and book ideas that match their level.

Answer 43

I know people who have had this same issue. They used video games that had no dialogue to help encourage their child get better at reading while using something they are interested in.

I would suggest getting them books on subjects that they are most interested in. Golden Books has books out now about Taylor Swift, Wicked and many other current celebrities and films. Your local librarian will have an idea of popular book titles for her age.

Just remember that the reading and will come with patient and hard work. I was the same way when I was in Elementary school too. My past teachers said that one day it all just clicked and I began reading like crazy. They figured I wanted to read Disney books. The reading will click for your child too.

Can you talk to your child's teacher about testing for dyslexia if that has not come up? Many dyslexics can learn to read it is just harder and many struggle. Dyslexia is when the letters are jumbled up and mixed up to create tomato soup instead of a word. I have known Dyslexics who were huge readers so don't give up if that is the case.

Answer 44

Helping your child get better at reading starts with breaking it into small, fun steps so it doesn’t feel overwhelming. Focus on phonics first by practicing the sounds letters make, then blend those sounds into words. Use simple, colorful books and let your child read with you—take turns reading sentences so they feel supported. If they get stuck, don’t rush them; gently guide them to sound out the word. Make reading part of daily life by labeling things around the house, playing word games, or letting them pick stories they enjoy. Since they struggle in school, extra encouragement and praise at home can build their confidence. For ESL/ESOL learners, connect words to pictures and real-life actions so they understand the meaning as well as the sound. The key is patience, consistency, and making reading feel like a fun discovery instead of a chore.

Answer 45

How can you help my child to get better at reading? They struggle so much at school.

School can be hard. Teachers have multiple children to serve. That means multiple learning styles, multiple backgrounds, multiple achievement levels, multiple interests. That’s hard - both for the teacher & also for the student.

A tutor has one child to serve. That means getting to know one child, one learning style, one background, one achievement level, & one set of interests. Understanding all these things & approaching the child individually, at that child’s pace, can make a huge difference! An experienced, well-trained reading tutor has the flexibility & time to design, & re-design, ways to meet your child’s needs.

I always start with the student, lead him/her into an appropriate book at the right reading level & most importantly at the right interest level, then use the book as the springboard for all reading skills that need improvement & bring this all back to the student’s life & interests.

This approach makes reading about the child. There is a reason the student wants to get better at phonics, learn more vocabulary words, improve comprehension: because it’s fun, interesting & relevant.

Answer 46

Virtually all children struggling in school, including the brightest children, suffer from slightly too-slow processing speed for language. Just 30 milliseconds too slow—(it takes 100 milliseconds to blink your eye)— means children cannot reliably detect tiny elements in speech such as the difference between the CH sound and the SH sound, tangling up their grasp of directions and explanations. This has nothing to do with intelligence.

Many extremely bright children struggle with this “hidden handicap.”

These children may not be clear whether the teacher said “wash your hands“ or “watch your hands.“. These children often need directions repeated and may have trouble with complex instructions. Just one critical element – faster language processing in the brain — can resolve the problem.

In reading, these children may sound out words slowly and with frequent mistakes. Phonics instruction has not eliminated their problems because phonics does not address the underlying problem. These children may still reverse sounds and say “trap“ instead of “tarp,” or add sounds and say “started out the window“ instead of “stared out the window.“. This means that they won’t understand the story, and they won’t be able to tell you why they don’t. And they will suffer from disappointing you. And they will feel stupid, which they’re not.

All this can be corrected by using patented neuroscience exercises (“ games”) to raise processing speed for language. The correction usually takes two to three months of closely guided practice. Let me urge you to lay this foundation before you use standard phonics approaches such as OG.

For research, you can look up the work of Dr. Michael Merzenich or Dr. Paula Tallal, the neuroscientists behind this amazing approach to helping kids read. Research at Harvard, Yale, and the University of California shows dramatic results.

Our first consultation will be free. Please bring the results of any testing you’ve already had done.

Answer 47

Thank you so much for sharing about your child. I completely understand how discouraging it can feel when reading is a struggle at school. My approach is to first get to know your child—their current strengths, what feels hard, and even what they enjoy outside of school. From there, I tailor lessons to meet them right where they are, rather than expecting them to fit into a one-size-fits-all program.

When I work with elementary readers, I use a mix of phonics-based instruction, hands-on activities, and interactive games that make reading both meaningful and fun. I also weave in research and evidence based strategies to improve comprehension and confidence, so your child learns not only how to read words, but also how to understand and enjoy what they’re reading.

Because our sessions will be online, I incorporate engaging tools and visuals to keep learning lively and interactive—never just another worksheet. Most importantly, I create a supportive environment where mistakes are seen as part of the learning process. That way, your child can take risks, build skills step by step, and experience success each session.

My goal is to help your child feel proud of themselves as a reader—not just to catch up, but to gain the confidence and skills they need to thrive.

Answer 48

Here’s how I’d approach helping your child improve reading skills:

1. Assess strengths and challenges – I start by identifying exactly where your child struggles, whether it’s decoding words, understanding vocabulary, or comprehending text.
2. Build phonics and word recognition – Using targeted exercises, we focus on letter-sound relationships, sight words, and decoding strategies, so reading becomes less frustrating and more automatic.
3. Expand vocabulary – I introduce new words in meaningful contexts and practice using them in sentences, which helps with both reading comprehension and writing.
4. Improve comprehension skills – We practice summarizing, predicting, and asking questions about the text, helping your child understand and remember what they read.
5. Make reading engaging and confidence-building – I choose age-appropriate, interesting materials and celebrate small successes to boost confidence and motivation.

Answer 49

How can I help your child get better at reading?

As a certified K–8 teacher with a literacy endorsement 📚 and over 25 years of classroom experience, I specialize in helping students who struggle with reading—whether it’s phonics, fluency, comprehension, or confidence.

I use up-to-date, research-backed methods grounded in the Science of Reading 🧠. Unlike speaking, which is a natural process the brain is wired for, reading is not an innate skill—it must be explicitly taught and practiced step by step. That’s where I come in. I use structured, phonics-based lessons to build strong decoding skills and help your child master the building blocks of reading.

📖 Reading comprehension is another area where many students get stuck. I teach proven strategies like visualization, making connections, asking questions, summarizing, and identifying main ideas and supporting details. We work together to build the mental "toolbox" students need to understand and remember what they read—whether it's fiction, textbooks, or word problems in math.

But it’s not just about the method—it’s also about the relationship. I work hard to build trust 🤝 and help students feel safe, supported, and capable. Once your child starts experiencing small wins and sees that reading is something they can do, their confidence grows—and that’s when real progress begins.

Most students I work with show measurable growth within weeks, and many move up a full grade level in just a few months! 🌟

If your child is falling behind or frustrated with reading, don’t wait. I’d love to partner with you to turn things around. Message me, Michele W., today to schedule a free consultation and take the first step toward helping your child thrive. Scroll to the bottom of the profile page to find the message me button. ✨📩