Help! My child is struggling to learn to read

If your child is struggling to learn to read and write in their first few years of school, there are 5 key steps that you need to take.

But first, some reassurance. Learning to read and write is a hard skill to master and all children learn at different paces. Many kids need a bit of extra help with this so please know that this is completely normal.

However, parents play a vital role in making sure our child gets the support they need, at the right time, to help get them back on track with their learning. The best way to do this is by implementing the following five steps.

1. Meet with your child's teacher to discuss your concerns

Remember that you and your child's teacher are on the same page and want the same things for your child, so speak openly and honestly, share any information that might be relevant. This might be things you have noticed, things your child may have said to you, repetitive behaviours or even if learning difficulties run in the family (e.g. dyslexia).

When you are on the same page, you can work on a solution together.

Other supports in the school may be the school counsellor/psychologist, learning support officers, in-school speech pathologist etc. 

2. Put additional support strategies in place

Your child's teacher should have suggestions for additional supports you can provide at home. This might include extra one on one time with your child each night (perhaps an extra 15 minutes) helping them with reading practise, writing or sight words (tier words). Your teacher may even provide you with some worksheets or activities that might be beneficial. Try to make it lighthearted and fun so it seems less like a chore and more like a great way to spend time together.

I know family lives are very busy, but you really do want to prioritise this. Often, with some some extra, focused attention and support at home, children get right back on track.

3. Take early action

Taking action as soon as you are concerned is important for two reasons:

• Early intervention can make a significant difference in supporting your child with their learning
• Taking action before your child loses confidence or starts to resist school is crucial. Remember, in these first few years of school we want to help our child to develop a love of learning and if they are really struggling with learning to read or write, it can really dent their confidence. 

4. Reassure your child

This one is important. We don't want our child to feel like they are failing. A good tactic can be to talk about strengths and how all of us have different strengths and things that come naturally (you can highlight some of theirs), and other things we need to work at a little more. And those things are different for everyone. 

5. Seek external supports if needed

Your school may suggest you get your child a hearing test and a behavioural eye test to check that neither their hearing or their eyes are the cause. It is a good idea to at least rule these out so that you can move forwards with other supports that better fit your child (or, one of both of these may well be impacting your child's learning in which case you can address this).

You may also want to reach out to other supports such as tutors, support organisations like SPELD (in most states and territories) etc.

And then finally, remember to check in regularly with your child's teacher and keep the communication channel open as you work through this together.