There are no late bloomers when it comes to education! Every learner blooms at just the right time! It is important, however, to spot reading challenges early. Children who are slow to learn to read will struggle to catch up without support.

Early readers are students in kindergarten through second grade.

The good news is that the difference between average and below-average readers can be minimized with appropriate early intervention – the earlier the better.

Spot These Reading Skill Deficits

If you notice your little one struggling with these difficulties, check in with your child’s teacher about assessment and intervention options:

Kindergarten – Difficulty with letter recognition and connecting letters with their sounds. Also, difficulty rhyming and resistance to reading. 

First Grade –   Guessing words using context. And, an inability to break down words into component parts.  Difficulty reading nonsense words. 

Second Grade – Significant spelling problems. Difficulty following directions. Inattention or behavioral problems. Reading aloud is difficult. 

Good luck to you and your child! Now that you’re aware, it will be easier to spot early reading challenges that arise and work to find effective early intervention.

Remember, early detection and proactive measures can make a world of difference in your child’s reading journey. Stay engaged, ask questions, and collaborate with educators to provide the support your young learner needs. Celebrate each small victory, and keep fostering a love for reading through shared storytime and interactive activities.

Your involvement is key to unlocking a bright future filled with the joy of literacy. Encourage curiosity and exploration through books, and remember that your enthusiasm for reading will be contagious. Create a cozy reading nook at home, introduce your child to a variety of book genres, and make regular trips to the library a fun adventure. By nurturing a positive reading environment, you are setting your child up for success not only in school but in all aspects of life.

P.S. If your child is younger than Kindergarten age, check out this post for specific behaviors and reading milestones that are appropriate by age from birth through six years old.

As we adapt to new technology and digital mediums, our brains inevitably change. And, sometimes, that is not for the better.

A fascinating book, Reader Come Home: The Reading Brain in a Digital World, considers the future of the reading brain. And, addresses our “capacity for critical thinking, empathy, and reflection as we become increasingly dependent on digital technologies.”

For instance, as we become accustomed to quickly scanning through information on a screen or tablet, it makes it difficult to engage in deep reading. Reading needs to be an immersive experience.

That is a problem, because the less we engage in deep reading, the less we develop:

• a rich vocabulary,
• critical reasoning skills,
• empathy,
• imagination, and
• the ability to personally reflect on experiences.

Furthermore, negative societal shifts may develop as a result of quick scanning instead of deep reading.

Check out my video below to learn my tips to help counteract technology’s impact on the “Reading Brain.” And, at the same time, celebrate the joys of reading with your family.

What do you think about the question Dr. Wolf proposes? What steps are you already taking in your household to foster the importance of deep reading? Do you have other worries about how technology will affect your child’s learning development?

Let me know in the comments below, and you can purchase Dr. Wolf’s book online here.