Help for Struggling Reader

I work with this age group-wish I lived closer to help, but anyway, reading with your child will help. Read it in pieces. They check for improvement in timing and comprehension. If you want to find a tutor call your school, or the teacher-if you want to do this yourself, that is how it is usually done. Timed. Then timed again.Question, question some more. Read words in pockets. There are also computer programs out there to work with. Most schools have programs where adults volunteer their time, see if your school does and enlist their aide. It is frustrating but over time it will all work out.

Also, I think it's helpful to find things that the child is really interested in. I remember my mom got my brother a subscription to a sports magazine to encourage him to sit and read. Be creative -- it doesn't have to be "literature" for him to practice the skill of decoding. The more fun it is for him, the more he will want to do it.

Hi R.,
My son also struggled with reading. We went down many paths and did not find success. Finally I learned about the Wilson Reading System. My son worked with a private Wilson Reading instructor for 2 years. It changed his life. It wasn't fast but it worked and nothing else did. If your child is still struggling at the age of 10 you need some serious intervention. I became a Wilson Reading Instructor after I learned what it could do to help all struggling readers. I live in Mt. Prospect, but I would be happy to talk with you further. There is a Wilson Reading Instructor who lives in Skokie that I would be happy to refer you to. Also, please check out Wilson Reading System's website, or talk to some of the teachers in your son's school. Wilson is a well respected program and most classroom teachers and special ed teachers think very highly of Wilson. It is one of only a few reading methods that is endorsed by The International Dyslexia Association. I know what it's like to really want to help your child to read. My son now reads well above grade level and tests very high on the ISATs in reading. Best of luck to you, and feel free to contact me for a referral.

I am a reading specialist and I am specifically trained to work with students with dyslexia. Has your child been tested to look at what memory/learning skills are breaking down? If your child is dyslexic, 'traditional' reading approaches will only be minimally effective. Please feel free to contact me with more specific questions as I live and work just south of Evanston.

I am a 6th grade teacher with a reading degree. Struggles with reading can be very frustrating for both you and your child! A very quick suggestion would be to try books on tape/CD. As long as your child has a copy of the actual book in front of them while they listen, this can be a very beneficial strategy. It also allows them to read books that are slightly above their independent level. The public libraries have a wealth of books on tape/CD.

National Louis University also offers a reading program every summer as part of the practicum part of their degree program. Your child can participate for a nominal fee. Children are paired with a tutor for one-on-one reading support specifically tailored to their needs. Check out the reading program online for more information. You would need their teacher to fill out some information too.

Hope this helps. Good luck!

Maybe ask your school to do an OT eval to see if there are other issues--also consider eyesight, dyslexia, speech/comprehension issues.
I think an OT could do an eval in the school system for you and give you ideas.
good luck--reading is so key especially now!!

Hi,

My husband is a tutor. He currently does ACT tutoring through a service at Proviso HS. He has experience working with kids of all ages as a Sunday School teacher, he taught children with Down Syndrome while living in Spain for a year, and he has chaperoned a youth service trip to Costa Rica. He's super-smart, and more importantly, he knows how to connect with kids and help them to realize their potential. Send me a private message if you'd like his contact info. Good luck!