My 7-year-old is in second grade and still struggling to read. Her classmates are reading chapter books and she can barely get through a picture book. What can I do at home to help?
First, please do not compare your daughter to classmates because reading development varies enormously at this age and catching up is very achievable. Here is what works. Read aloud to her every day for at least 15-20 minutes, even though she is "too old" for picture books. This builds vocabulary, comprehension, and a love of stories which is the foundation of wanting to read independently. Practice phonics systematically. Make sure she knows all letter sounds, then move to blending sounds together (c-a-t becomes cat). Use decodable books that match her phonics level rather than books that require memorizing sight words she does not know yet. Bob Books are excellent for this. Let her choose books about topics she is interested in, even if they seem too easy. Reading something easy builds confidence and fluency. Reading something too hard builds frustration and avoidance. Make reading a zero-pressure activity. Never express disappointment or frustration when she struggles with a word. Instead say "let us sound that one out together." Create a cozy reading spot and make reading time feel special, not like homework. If she has not been evaluated for a learning difference like dyslexia, request a formal evaluation from her school. Early identification and intervention make a huge difference. Schools are legally required to evaluate if a parent requests it.
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