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Rarely do children struggle as readers for a single reason. More often, it
is a combination of reasons. There is no one cause and no one teaching
method or one commercial program that will work for all struggling readers.
Struggling readers have individual needs and are entitled to interventions
specific to those needs. Readers struggle for different reasons: decoding,
comprehension, speed, fluency, and reader experiences/ prior knowledge. No
matter what program may be used for teaching reading, there will be some
children who still struggle.
Factors that may hinder reading acquisition:
Hearing or vision problems
Language problems
Lack of experience with reading and books
Lack of background knowledge about the text being read
Inability to concentrate on text
Lack of interest or motivation to read
Misconceptions about what reading is and how to do it
Highly mobile families who move from school to school in the early years
Trauma or lack of basic requirements such as hunger or safe environment
Limited access to books
How Can Families Help?
Families play an enormous role in their child's success as a reader.
Here are some ways parents can help:
Make sure that your child gets regular adequate sleep and maintains a daily
nutritionally-balanced diet.
Have your child's vision and hearing checked at a clinic.
Read to your child. Even after your child is able to read, continue to read
aloud each day.
Talk with your child. Help your child develop the language skills needed for
reading.
Listen to your child read to you. Encourage rather than correct.
Exhibit good reading habits at home. Let your child see you reading.
Play word games with your child.
Praise your child's reading efforts. Do not overcorrect your child or push
your child to read text that is too difficult.
Show an interest in your child's school. Volunteer to help.
Develop a relationship with your child's teacher.
Ask questions.
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