Signs Your Child May Be Struggling with Reading (And What To Do About It)
- JENNIFER HOOFARD
- Mar 18
- 4 min read
Reading is a fundamental skill, but for some children, it doesn’t come easily. If your child is struggling, early intervention can make all the difference. Here are some key signs to watch for and steps you can take to support them.
Common Signs of Reading Struggles
1. Difficulty Recognizing Letters and Sounds
If your child has trouble remembering letter names, sounds, or frequently mixes them up, it could indicate an underlying issue. Some children struggle to connect letters to their corresponding sounds, making it difficult to decode words. This challenge is often one of the earliest indicators of a reading delay.
2. Avoidance of Reading Activities
Does your child resist reading time or show frustration when asked to read? Avoidance can be a sign of struggle. Many children who find reading difficult may claim they don’t like books, but in reality, they are avoiding the frustration of struggling through words. If your child becomes upset or anxious when it’s time to read, it’s worth exploring why.
3. Guessing Words Instead of Sounding Them Out
If your child frequently guesses words based on pictures or the first letter rather than decoding them, they may need additional phonics support. Guessing often happens when children haven’t developed strong phonemic awareness skills. This issue can persist without structured, explicit reading instruction.
4. Slow or Choppy Reading
Reading that lacks fluency—where your child reads word by word with long pauses—may signal difficulty with decoding. A fluent reader reads smoothly, with proper phrasing and intonation. If your child struggles to read fluidly, it could indicate a weak foundation in phonics.
5. Difficulty Remembering Sight Words
Struggling readers often have a hard time recognizing common words that should be memorized, such as "the," "and," or "said." These words don’t always follow phonetic rules, so memorization is necessary. If your child continually forgets sight words they’ve previously learned, they may need more repetition and practice.
6. Poor Spelling Skills
Spelling and reading go hand in hand. If your child struggles with spelling, it may be due to weaknesses in phonemic awareness and letter-sound connections. Poor spelling can also indicate a difficulty with visual memory and word structure recognition, which are critical components of literacy.
7. Trouble Understanding What They Read
If your child can read words but doesn’t grasp the meaning of a passage, they may have issues with comprehension. Reading is more than just decoding—it’s about understanding and making meaning from text. Difficulty with comprehension can stem from weak vocabulary, lack of background knowledge, or trouble making inferences.
8. Reversing Letters and Numbers
Occasional reversals (like writing "b" instead of "d") are normal for young learners, but if they persist past the age of 7, they may indicate a reading challenge. Letter reversals can sometimes be a sign of difficulties with visual processing. If this is accompanied by other reading struggles, it’s best to seek a professional evaluation.
What You Can Do to Help
1. Read Together Daily
Spend time reading aloud to your child and encouraging them to read to you. Choose engaging, age-appropriate books and ask questions about the story to improve comprehension. Making reading a positive, stress-free experience can boost confidence.
2. Use a Multisensory Approach
Programs like the Barton Reading & Spelling System use visual, auditory, and tactile learning to reinforce reading skills. Multisensory learning engages different parts of the brain, making reading instruction more effective for struggling learners.
3. Break Words into Smaller Parts
Teach your child to break words into syllables or sounds to make decoding easier. Practicing syllable division strategies helps children tackle longer words with confidence.
4. Practice Sight Words with Fun Activities
Use flashcards, games, and repetition to help your child memorize high-frequency words. Activities like word hunts, memory matching games, or writing words in sand can make learning more engaging.
5. Seek Professional Support
If struggles persist, consider working with a trained reading tutor who specializes in structured literacy approaches. Early intervention can prevent long-term challenges. Programs like Brightest Owl offer one-on-one, personalized reading instruction designed to help children overcome reading difficulties.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can reading struggles be outgrown?
A: Many children improve with the right intervention and support. Structured literacy programs can help children develop the skills they need to read and spell effectively. Early intervention is key to long-term success.
Q: How do I know if my child needs a reading tutor?
A: If your child is consistently struggling with reading, avoiding books, or falling behind in school, a reading tutor can help address the root of the problem and provide targeted instruction.
Q: At what age should I seek help for my child’s reading difficulties?
A: The earlier, the better! Early intervention is key. If your child shows persistent reading struggles in kindergarten or first grade, don’t wait—seek support as soon as possible.
Final Thoughts
Every child learns at their own pace, but persistent reading difficulties should not be ignored. Identifying struggles early and providing targeted support can help your child become a confident, successful reader. At Brightest Owl, we specialize in one-on-one tutoring tailored to each child's needs. If you suspect your child may need extra help, we’re here to support you.
Ready to take the next step? Contact us today to learn how we can help your child thrive in reading. (661) 484-4848.