Helping a child with reading
If you want to help a child who is learning how to read, we have some resources for you to try as a parent or caregiver. We’ll also try to share resources for older kids who struggle with reading, such as assistive technology.
Learn about the reading crisis
Check our page with articles, podcasts, and films about the child reading crisis. Many of them address the issue of ineffective reading instruction and why so many children are failing to learn with the approaches to reading that are popular in most public schools.
https://www.readingisessential.org/reading-crisis/reading-crisis-articles-podcasts-films/
Reading 101: A Guide for Parents
By Reading Rockets and The National Education Association (NEA)
This guide gives a basic, parent-friendly overview of what’s involved in the process of learning to read & write. It tells how to help your kids grow as readers, writers, and learners. It includes links to milestones and activities by grade level Pre-K — 2nd.
Parent Course: Introduction to Basic Reading Instruction
From our friends at The Reading League
This 9-hour course is designed for parents/caregivers to learn the basics of reading science and how it can be applied to instruction for students of any age. No prior teaching experience is necessary.
https://www.thereadingleague.org/parent-courses/
Participants will learn:
- How the reading brain develops
- The 6 syllable types of the English language
- A 6-step plan for direct instruction
Cox Campus
Cox Campus provides free high-quality resources to promote child literacy
Cox Campus for Families
From birth to 9, your child’s brain is developing critical skills for literacy and success. This makes you an important partner to help boost their growth. You have what it takes and we empower you with the guidance and resources to make it easy!
- Video learning
- Milestone tracker
- Resources and activities
Create your free account at https://coxcampus.org/families/
Cox Campus Courses for Education and Structured Literacy Courses
These courses are targeted at educators, but are also useful for parents or caregivers working with children at home.
Infants and toddlers: https://learn.coxcampus.org/tracks/infants-and-toddlers/
Preschool and Pre-K: https://learn.coxcampus.org/tracks/preschool-and-pre-k/
K-3rd grade: https://learn.coxcampus.org/tracks/k-3/
Reading Universe
Reading Universe Video: How Children Learn to Read, with Margaret Goldberg
Reading Universe website
While this content is geared towards classroom teachers, it can be equally valuable to parents trying to help their kids with learning to read.
Teaching students to read is one of the most important things we do as educators. Reading Universe can help. You’ll find ready-to-use teaching strategies, in-classroom videos, interviews with teachers and reading experts, and quick, concrete answers to common questions about teaching reading and writing. And it’s all free!
Explore Reading Universe: https://readinguniverse.org/
Effective Reading Instruction & Structured Literacy
The International Dyslexia Association (IDA) has a fantastic collection of resources for people with dyslexia, and these resources are also helpful for those who struggle with reading for other reasons.
Effective Reading Instruction
This publication explains what effective reading instruction should look like, and it applies to all kinds of struggling readers. They call it Structured Literacy. This kind of instruction is essential for struggling readers, but it also makes good readers even stronger.
https://dyslexiaida.org/effective-reading-instruction/
Infographic: What Is Structured Literacy?
https://dyslexiaida.org/what-is-structured-literacy
Structured Literacy: Effective Instruction for Students with Dyslexia and Related Reading Difficulties
This is a deeper look at the components of Structured Literacy and why they’re necessary.
Dyslexia
Dyslexia at a Glance (plus links to lots of dyslexia info)
Want to know more about dyslexia? Here’s an overview of dyslexia from the IDA. You’ll also find links plus links to other IDA documents and resources. Again, these can be helpful for other types of struggling readers.
https://dyslexiaida.org/dyslexia-at-a-glance
- Do I Have Dyslexia?
- Dyslexia Around the World
- Success Stories
- Fact Sheets
- Infographics
- Definition of Dyslexia
- Frequently Asked Questions
IDA Dyslexia Handbook: What Every Family Should Know
https://dyslexiaida.org/ida-dyslexia-handbook/
Dyslexia Fact Sheets:
Assessment, accommodations, effective instruction, working memory
https://dyslexiaida.org/fact-sheets/
Dyslexia FAQs:
https://dyslexiaida.org/frequently-asked-questions-2/
Dyslexia Service Providers in Georgia
The Georgia IDA branch may be able to help you find providers who work with struggling readers in Georgia. If you’re looking for dyslexia services such as learning evaluations or specialized tutoring, please email info@idaga.org.
IDA-GA website provider page: https://ga.dyslexiaida.org/provider-directory/
Technology
Overview of Instructional and Assistive Technology: Critical Tools for Students Who Struggle
