If you suspect your child
has a reading issue...*
You're certainly not alone. Below are some signs that your child may have a reading issue:
-
Problems with phonemic awareness - 80%of early reading problems are due to poor phonological awareness. Students may also have problems hearing the differences between sounds, not understanding that letters make specific sounds, etc.
-
Poor word recognition - Slow to learn words seen frequently, forgetting words seen many times, difficulty learning sight words (this is a very common problem).
-
Weakness sounding out words - Can’t easily learn and apply decoding skills. Tries to guess at words or use context clues. Weak at sounding out words with 2, 3 and 4 syllables (by 3rd or 4th grade).
-
Poor spelling, both on tests and in written compositions - Frequent misspellings, guesses.
-
Slow, halting reading (poor fluency) - Must reread to understand.
-
Weak reading comprehension - Can’t recognize words in a passage or sound out important words; so slow and halting, he or she can’t recall what’s been read. Has trouble finishing tests.
-
Excessive time spent on homework - Parents may report trouble with
assignments.
-
Self-esteem issues - Sees him or herself as “stupid”; is “down” about school,
cries easily, avoids reading, appears not to care, easily frustrated when reading.
*Adapted with permission from ALP Winston-Salem.
