Child falling behind in English and Reading? Take these steps mentioned below to help them catch up ASAP!
Everyone has a period of time in his or her life when reading just seems to get too difficult. Some children may be a bit behind others in terms of reading levels and ability, but that doesn’t mean he or she isn’t bright, it just means that they need a little more help and guidance in this field. Use the strategies below to help your child become an excellent reader!
1. Be Proactive:
If you think that your child is lagging behind in terms of reading skills, do not wait! Delaying a chance to help them read will only lead to further lags in terms of reading ability. If you notice that your child is struggling in English and Reading classes: be proactive and help them improve immediately!
2. Get books that are around your child's reading level:
To become a strong reader, a child needs to read books at his level. A good rule of thumb is this: If your child makes one or more reading errors for every ten words, the reading level is likely too difficult for them. However, if your child insists on reading a book beyond his or her level: don't argue with them! It is great that they are confidently trying to overachieve and as a parent, this should be encouraged.
3. Practice makes perfect:
Beyond making sure that the books are at an appropriate level, as a parent, you should also ensure that your child is putting aside at least 15 minutes a day in order to read. Have them read books that they like, that way, they won't get bored in the 15 minutes(children have a relatively short attention span). Reading is kind of like sports, art or music: the more you practice: the better you get!
4. Reading Aloud:
The ear is better at catching mistakes than the eye. If your child reads the book aloud, you can help them catch mistakes and thereby fix them. Moreover, your child will also be trained to catch errors themselves and help themselves improve to be better readers. This skill is also essential in writing: hearing the words are a more effective method in revealing grammatical errors when compared to reading the words.
5. Audiobooks:
For harder books, it may be a smart idea to have your student listen to the audiobook before diving in themselves. Not only can your student follow along with the words being read, but he or she will also learn how to use better pronunciation, vocabulary, and speaking speed. This method is especially helpful when transitioning from a lower reading level to a higher one.
Perhaps the most important fact is this: do not be discouraged when your child falls behind in terms of reading. As a parent, it can be worrisome in regards to your child’s education, but as long as you follow the above steps, your child will become a better reader.
If you are looking for classes or other ways to help your child improve, check out CAM Ed's virtual reading class and creative writing class!