7 Tips for Parents: Take Action When Your Child is Struggling with Reading
We know how upsetting and stressful it is to watch your child struggle with reading. Having a plan can help. If you are a parent feeling helpless, this list is for you. Being informed and teaming with your child’s teachers can make all the difference. Follow these 7 steps, and let us know how we can help!
1. Get Informed: Talk to Your Child’s Teacher
If your child is struggling with reading, the first and most important step is to meet with their teacher. Understanding what reading instruction looks like in the classroom and what extra support is available will help you become an informed advocate for your child.
Ask the teacher about the reading curriculum and whether it follows a structured literacy approach. Research shows that most children—especially those who struggle—need explicit, systematic instruction in key reading skills, including:
Phonology (awareness of sounds in words)
Phonics (connecting letters to sounds)
Syllables (breaking words into parts)
Morphology (understanding prefixes, suffixes, and root words)
Syntax (sentence structure and grammar)
Semantics (word meaning and comprehension)
Decades of research in the Science of Reading show that balanced literacy approaches, which often rely on guessing strategies and minimal phonics instruction, do not work for the majority of children. Many states have recognized this and are shifting toward evidence-based instruction by passing laws that require structured literacy training for teachers.
Parents’ Guide to Structured Literacy
Questions to Ask
When you meet with the teacher, here are some questions that can help you understand your child’s reading instruction:
What reading program or approach is used in the classroom?
How is phonics taught, and how often?
What diagnostic assessments are used to identify issues and monitor progress?
What interventions are available if my child is behind?
How is the assessment data driving instruction?
How can I support reading at home?
A Team Approach: Partnering with the Teacher
It’s important to remember that this conversation is not about criticizing the teacher—it’s about working together to support your child. Teachers want their students to succeed, and many are working hard to implement new reading research into their classrooms. Approach the conversation with curiosity and collaboration rather than frustration.
Phrases like “I want to understand how I can best support my child at home” or “I’d love to learn more about how reading is taught in the classroom” can help keep the discussion positive. When parents and teachers work as a team, children benefit the most!
2. Ask About Dyslexia Screening
If your child is struggling with reading, it’s important to ask the school if they conduct dyslexia screenings. Dyslexia is a neurobiological learning difference that affects the ability to recognize and decode words accurately and fluently. It is not a reflection of intelligence or effort—rather, it impacts how the brain processes language. Children with dyslexia often have difficulty with phonemic awareness (the ability to hear and manipulate sounds in words) and may struggle with spelling and reading fluency.
It’s important to understand the difference between screening and formal diagnosis. A dyslexia screening is a short assessment used to identify students who may be at risk for reading difficulties. This helps educators provide early intervention and support. A formal diagnosis, on the other hand, is conducted by a specialist such as a neuropsychologist or educational evaluator. A diagnosis may qualify them for additional support services. However, there is a strong argument that with the right literacy instruction and intervention, students can be successful without receiving a formal diagnosis.
Learn more about Dyslexia here.
3. Talk to a qualified reading specialist and make a plan.
If your child is struggling with reading, it’s essential to connect with a qualified reading specialist who has expertise in evidence-based reading interventions. Within your school, district, or community, there are professionals trained to assess reading difficulties and provide targeted support. This might include a reading interventionist, special education teacher, or a private literacy specialist trained in structured literacy approaches.
Bring any data you’ve gathered—such as assessment results, teacher observations, and intervention records—to the specialist. Together, review your child’s strengths and weaknesses and determine whether the current intervention is appropriate, intensive, and frequent enough to meet their needs. Research shows that struggling readers require explicit, systematic, and cumulative instruction to build foundational skills. According to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), "The majority of reading problems can be prevented if students receive appropriate instruction in phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension strategies."
If the specialist determines that the intervention is insufficient, they can help you explore additional support options, such as increasing the frequency of intervention, adjusting the instructional approach, or pursuing an evaluation for more targeted services.
By working with a specialist and making a clear plan, you can ensure that your child is receiving the right support at the right time—giving them the best chance to become a confident and capable reader.
4. Ask what you can do at home.
Once the root cause of your child’s reading struggles is identified, you can support their learning at home in low-pressure, playful ways. Striving readers often need 40+ exposures to new concepts before they become automatic. But this doesn’t mean drilling flashcards or adding more homework—it means incorporating literacy practice into everyday life in a way that feels enjoyable and natural.
Many reading challenges stem from oral language and phonological awareness—the ability to hear and manipulate the sounds in words. These foundational skills can be strengthened through fun, interactive activities that don’t feel like extra work. Some simple ways to help include:
Rhyme and Play with Sounds – Make up silly rhymes together, play “I Spy” using beginning sounds (“I spy something that starts with /s/”), or break words into syllables while clapping.
Make Reading a Multi-Sensory Experience – Use magnetic letters, sand writing, or air tracing to reinforce letter-sound connections.
Turn Everyday Moments into Learning Opportunities – Read menus at restaurants, look for patterns in words on signs, or play word games in the car.
Use High-Interest, Decodable Books – Give your child books designed for their skill level, so they can decode words successfully without guessing.
Above all, keep it lighthearted. A struggling reader is often a frustrated reader, and adding extra pressure can lead to avoidance. Instead of making reading practice feel like a chore, focus on small, frequent moments of success to build confidence and motivation.
For fun, age-appropriate resources for 3rd-5th graders, check out these Reading Rev’s Favorite Online Link List.
5. Monitor progress and adjust.
Teachers set six-week intervention goals and track progress to see if the support is working—make sure you’re part of this conversation. Reading intervention isn’t a quick fix; it takes time and consistency. However, you should see small, steady progress.
Think of it as a baby-step race—slow and steady wins, but steps should still be happening. If progress stalls, it’s time to adjust the plan. Does your child need more time, increased intensity, or a different intervention approach? Don’t be afraid to ask questions and work with the teacher to ensure your child is getting what they need.
6. Reignite the joy of reading.
Most children start their reading journey with excitement, but struggling readers often lose that enthusiasm over time. When reading feels like a constant challenge, it stops being enjoyable. Your job? Bring back the joy!
Make reading pressure-free by reading aloud to your child—even if they’re older. Let them listen to audiobooks, explore high-interest books, and choose stories they love, even if they seem too easy or aren’t traditionally “academic.” Simply engaging with stories builds vocabulary, comprehension, and a love for reading.
Reading success isn’t just about skills—it’s about connection, curiosity, and enjoyment. With time, the spark can return!
7. Celebrate Neurodiversity and Strengths
Struggling with reading does not mean a child isn’t intelligent—it simply means they learn differently. Dyslexia and other reading challenges come with unique strengths, and it’s important to celebrate them! The Made by Dyslexia campaign is working to change the narrative, showing the world that dyslexic thinkers excel in creativity, problem-solving, and big-picture thinking.
At Reading Rev, we call these "Super Power Strengths"—because every child has talents that deserve recognition. Programs like Super Power Mentors connect kids with successful role models, reinforcing that challenges don’t define them—strengths do.
Every child also needs an outlet—a place where they excel and gain self-esteem. Whether it’s art, music, sports, building, or another passion, having something they feel confident in can balance the frustration of reading struggles. Help your child develop a growth mindset by focusing on what they can do, not just what’s hard. Confidence and resilience are vital to overcoming reading difficulties!
Some of our favorite literacy resources to help you feel informed and inspired:
Hard Words Why aren't kids being taught to read? This is an article (or podcast) that explains the history of reading instruction and why schools are just now starting to understand the science of reading. Check it out here
Attend a Dyslexia Simulation. Get insight into what it feels like to have a reading disability. You will walk away with a new understanding and level of compassion. Get this experience at a Reading Rev Professional Development Conference or our Community Dyslexia Awareness Night. You can also see if your state has a local chapter of The Reading League. They often host community nights.
Understand what kind of reading instruction your child needs. This is a brief description of Orton Gillingham, an approach that benefits all kids, but is vital for dyslexic students. Check it out here
Understand your state government's policy around reading remediation. States are taking this seriously and new legislation is being passed to ensure kids are learning to read by 3rd grade, and valid remediation is being given to striving readers. You can see your state’s progress here.
Tiers of Reading Instruction. Meeting the needs of all students. Check it out here
Watch Sally Shaywitz, Yale professor and author of Overcoming Dyslexia, explain this common reading disorder. Check it out here
Our Dyslexic Kids. Watch the 2020 motion picture about a group of parents willing to advocate for their dyslexic kids. Check it out here
This is the ultimate guide of all things reading for parents. Check it out here
Language Play! One of the best things you can do for your child is enriching their overall language. Having a rich language base will help build your child’s vocabulary and comprehension. Read about the language comprehension side of reading here.
Attend a Reading Rev Conference! Understanding, teaching, and assessing the 5 Components of Reading is imperative. And, not just in the primary years! Check it out here
