How to Help a Struggling Reader at Home

Reading is one of the most essential skills a child can develop, yet for some students, it doesn’t come easily. If your child struggles with reading, you may feel frustrated, worried, or unsure of how to help. The good news is that with the right strategies, support, and patience, you can help your child improve their reading skills and build confidence in their abilities.

At Total Tutoring Services, we work with many students who face reading challenges, including those with dyslexia or other learning difficulties. Whether your child is just starting out or needs extra support, here are some effective ways you can help a struggling reader at home.

1. Make Reading a Daily Habit
Consistency is key when helping a struggling reader. Encourage your child to read every day, even if it's just for 10–15 minutes. Make it fun by letting them choose books that interest them—graphic novels, audiobooks with text, or magazines all count!

Tips to Try:
📚 Read together and take turns reading aloud.
📖 Keep a variety of books around the house to spark curiosity.
🎧 Use audiobooks alongside printed books to reinforce comprehension.

2. Focus on Phonics & Word Recognition
Many struggling readers have difficulty decoding words, which means they need more practice with phonics and sight words. Phonics-based activities help children break words into sounds and improve their ability to read fluently.

Activities to Try:
🔡 Play word-building games like Bananagrams or Magnetic Letters.
📝 Practice high-frequency sight words using flashcards or sticky notes.
🎵 Use songs and rhymes to reinforce phonics rules.

3. Use Multisensory Techniques
Engaging multiple senses can make reading more effective and enjoyable. Multisensory learning helps children see, hear, and physically interact with words, making them easier to remember.

Hands-On Ideas:
✋ Have your child trace words in sand, shaving cream, or with finger paint.
🖍️ Write words in rainbow colors to engage visual learning.
🎙️ Record your child reading aloud and play it back to boost confidence.

4. Make Reading Interactive
Struggling readers often feel passive when they read, but making the experience more interactive can boost engagement and comprehension.

Strategies to Try:
🧐 Ask questions before, during, and after reading to build understanding.
📖 Encourage your child to act out stories to bring them to life.
💡 Use sticky notes to mark confusing words and discuss them together.

5. Provide Reading Support Without Pressure
If reading feels like a chore, your child may become resistant. Instead of pressuring them, create a low-stress environment that celebrates progress, no matter how small.

Encouraging a Positive Mindset:
✅ Praise effort rather than just success.
🎉 Set small goals, like reading one page independently.
🕰️ Give them time—progress takes patience!

6. Use Technology to Enhance Learning
There are many great digital tools that can make reading more engaging for struggling learners.

Helpful Apps & Websites:
📱 Epic! – A digital library with audiobooks and read-along features.
🎮 Starfall – A phonics-based learning game for early readers.
📝 Lexia Core5 – An adaptive reading program that builds literacy skills.

7. Know When to Seek Additional Support
Sometimes, a child may need more targeted instruction to improve their reading skills. If your child is showing signs of persistent reading difficulties, working with a tutor or reading specialist can provide personalized strategies and support.

Signs Your Child May Need Extra Help:
🔹 Difficulty recognizing sight words or sounding out words.
🔹 Avoidance of reading or frustration with books.
🔹 Struggles with reading comprehension despite strong verbal skills.

At Total Tutoring Services, our certified teachers and reading specialists provide personalized, one-on-one reading instruction to help students overcome challenges and develop a love for reading. Whether your child needs phonics support, comprehension strategies, or dyslexia intervention, we’re here to help!

Helping Your Child Become a Confident Reader
Reading struggles can feel overwhelming, but with patience, encouragement, and the right tools, your child can make significant progress. By incorporating these strategies and seeking support when needed, you’ll help your child gain the confidence they need to become a successful reader.

Need extra reading support?
​Contact Total Tutoring Services today to learn how we can help!

📍 In-person & virtual tutoring available
🌐 www.TotalTutoringServices.com
📞 443-604-9358