Guest Post by Suzie Wilson

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Does Your Child Struggle with Reading? Try These Effective Tips

Children who struggle with reading are faced with many challenges. From learning how to decode words to understanding the content of what they are reading, it can be difficult for them to succeed in school. 

Moreover, struggling readers may feel frustrated that they are not keeping up with their peers. They may also feel embarrassed and ashamed that they are not able to do what others can do. 

Fortunately, there are many programs, activities, and strategies that your child’s educator can use to help them become successful. J.D.R. Hawkins invites you to explore some essential tips from experts on how you can help your child overcome their reading struggles.

Helping Them See Themselves as Readers

The first tip is to make sure that your child sees himself or herself as a reader. This includes giving them opportunities to read on their own, providing them with books they are interested in, and letting them be part of the decision-making process when it comes to what they read. 

For example, you could ask your child if they want to read a chapter book or a graphic novel today. You can also help your struggling reader see themselves as readers by asking them questions about the content of what they are reading. This will encourage discussion about what they are reading, which will help them feel more engaged in the activity.

Create a Dedicated Reading Nook for Your Child

When your child has their own dedicated reading nook, they will be more likely to want to use it. In it, you can put up a bookshelf that you let your child help pick out. 

You could also buy a comfortable reading chair that’s just right for your child. Take it a step further by reupholstering the chair in an appealing fabric, possibly one with a pattern featuring characters or designs that your child likes. Look for furniture re–upholstery pros in your area, and then check reviews — you want to ensure the chair is in good hands!

Finish the nook with your child’s artwork, making the space all their own. By having something set up solely for them, your child will want to return to their nook and hone their reading skills.

Hire a Tutor

It is important to work with your child’s tutor. Tutors know the best ways to help struggling readers succeed and will be able to give you advice and strategies that will work with your child’s needs.

Tutors also provide one of the most valuable factors of all time. They spend a lot of their day working one-on-one with students who may need extra attention when it comes to reading. 

This can be especially beneficial for children in high school or middle school, where homework starts getting harder. Struggling readers may not understand what they are reading, so they may be stuck on a particular assignment for a long period of time without understanding why they’re stuck. 

If your child’s tutor takes the time to work through problems, then you will have a less stressed and more capable reader in the end.

Additional Strategies

Encourage your child by letting them know that they are doing a good job. You might tell your child that they are doing great when they finish a book or take the time to read for fun outside of school. Positive reinforcement will raise your child’s confidence. Another potential strategy is participating in reading rewards. For example, if your child reads a certain number of books in two weeks, give them a reward like going to a movie or getting an extra hour of screen time after school.