Last night, after I posted Top 10 Ways to Raise an Avid Reader, Part 2, I realized that I had left something important out. This post is an addendum to that one.
Sometimes, no matter what a parent does, children have trouble learning how to read. It can be extremely frustrating and humiliating for a student to go through this. The earlier parents and teachers address this problem, the better it is for the child. I'd like to share some information which may useful in helping your child.
While I cannot claim to have specific experience relating to struggling readers, I did some research and was able to find an extremely informative article on this topic. Based upon my own observations as a parent and as a teacher (currently not in practice), I am also able to offer you the following suggestions:
For toddlers and preschoolers: Every child develops at a different rate, so it's hard to know if a child has a problem that warrants outside help. It's important to trust your gut instincts, though. If you see differences in the development of your child as compared with other children his or her age (on a regular basis), I would mention it to your pediatrician.
If your 3 to 5 year old child seems to be having a hard time with speaking, writing, or recognizing letters, the doctor might recommend that you have your child evaluated by a specialist. He or she might even do a preliminary vision screening, and possibly refer you to an ophthalmologist.
My pediatrician was able to catch a vision problem when my son (GreenGuy) was just one year old. We took him to an ophthalmologist, and it turned out that he needed glasses to fix the problem. If these things are caught early, they're much easier to fix.
For 5 and 6 year olds who have started public education:
There are certainly many professionals available to answer your questions, but your child's teacher should always be the first person you share concerns with.
The goal of most primary grade teachers (in the USA) is to make sure that students start to read independently by the end of first grade. If your 5 or 6 year old is not showing any interest in reading on his own around this time, I would talk to the teacher. He or she should be able to advise you as to whether or not your child could benefit from the services of a reading specialist or special education teacher.
According to the International Dyslexia Association, "15-20% of the population have a language-based learning disability." If children with a learning disability (such as dyslexia) receive "effective phonological training in Kindergarten and 1st grade," it is more likely that they will be able to read on grade level later on.
For children ages 7 and older: It's never too late to help your child. Sometimes, teachers may not pick up on a reading deficiency, and you have to step in and ask for help. If your child is evaluated and is found to have a learning disability, you need to follow through and make sure that your child receives the services he or she needs.
There is also an absolutely wonderful book by Patricia Polacco, called Thank You, Mr. Falker, which is a "must read" for all children who have become frustrated with learning to read. It is the author's own autobiographical story of her early childhood as a struggling reader.
Patricia Polacco brings personal aspects of her life into her many of her unforgettable children's books, but this one clearly shows the emotions and frustrations she felt as an elementary school student who could not read. It was not until this author was in fifth grade that one very special teacher provided her with the attention and guidance she needed to start reading on her own. When you read her story, you will have a much better understanding of what it's like to be a child in a situation like this.
How inspirational is it to know that Patricia Polacco was able to turn her weakness into a strength in order to help other children to enjoy reading? There are two heroes in this story: the author, for her determination and persistence, and the teacher, for discovering her disability and providing her with the help and guidance she needed. It just shows how one person really can change the life of a child.
Every child has strengths and weaknesses. As parents and teachers, it is our duty to help children to overcome their weaknesses and to fortify their strengths. It truly amazes me what children can accomplish when they have determination and a positive outlook. Adults can help nurture these attributes in children.
Did a special teacher or other adult help you or your child to overcome an obstacle in learning?
Join me in carrying a little bit of Patricia Polacco and Mr. Falker in ours heart this week.
