How to Help Your Kid with a Reading Disability at Home
Does you child struggle with reading? Have you ever considered that they might have a learning disability when it comes to reading? If you find yourself curious about where your kids stand when it comes to their reading skills now that you’re home, you may want to take some steps to find out for sure so that you can get them the help they need. Here are some great tips on how to help your kid with a reading disability at home.
This is a guest post by Hannah Boothe
How to Help Your Kid with a Reading Disability at Home
Be Open and Honest with Your Child
Make sure you do not shy away from talking to your kid about their reading disability. If you are frustrated by your child’s struggles think about how frustrating it could be for them. They actually can appreciate knowing that there is a reason why reading has been so difficult. If you think you will have a hard time talking to your child about this or if you want to just be sure that you do this right way, you might want to enlist the help of your kid’s school guidance counselor. You could also book an appointment with a therapist in your community. Most service providers are now providing virtual appointments so you can get support even from home.
Don’t Over Think It
You do not need to overthink your child’s reading disability. Just because you have learned of their disability does not mean you have to dramatically alter your kid’s life or your life. You need to do whatever you can to make your child feel like this is not the end of the world. Composure on your end is key.
Don’t be afraid to ask your child to be honest about their feelings, either. There is nothing wrong with them complaining to you. And you need to be certain they are not beating themselves up over this. As their parent, you can do this without overthinking it.
Work with Their Teacher and School Virtually
Your child’s teacher is a great resource for you, and so is your child’s school. In fact, you need to work with your child’s teacher and make the most of the school’s available resources, even during home quarantine. The aforementioned guidance counselors and learning specialists, too, can be on hand to help you and your child.
Make sure that you utilize all of the available resources through your child’s school. Because not only are they professional and proven resources of assistance, but in public school systems, and even some private schools, your child can receive those services free of charge, even when learning from home.
RELATED: Free Online Resources for Kids Remote Learning
Consider Using Tutors
Don’t forget there are tutoring services in your community that your child can use after school and on the weekends. And if you are looking for a reading tutor program you have resources. You will find that these services can be very affordable and also easy to work into your family’s hectic schedule. Right now, many are even providing free services during remote learning due to the Coronavirus Pandemic.
They usually will start with a free assessment and then work with you on a plan that targets your child’s specific needs. Not only will they help pinpoint what your child needs, but they also will ensure there are metrics in place to chart your child’s successes. Consider using tutors today. They could provide that extra attention you child needs.
Know Your Role
It is very important that you shower your child with love as they start to get assistance with their reading disability and you must take an active role in acknowledging their improvements. You also need to be a disciplinarian to ensure your child takes their seriously. However, you must be certain that discipline is reasonable and does not come across as being due to their disability.
Now it might be true that your child feels embarrassed, and they might not want to take it seriously. Of course, when this happens, your child will not get the results they need to improve their situation. But if you remind your child that all kinds of people from actors to politicians have dealt with reading disabilities and overcome them, your child will be more enthusiastic about improving their reading. And some positive reinforcement along with celebrating your child’s successes will go a long way!
The two of you are going to make it through this. You’re going to be able to help your child, and your child is going to be able to improve their reading skills at home. Turn to one or more of the suggestions above to make it happen. You two can do this!
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About the Guest Author
Hannah is a graduate of the University of Washington in Marketing and English. With dreams of becoming a professional novelist, she also enjoys taking care of her dogs and helping out on her parent’s farm. She loves to read and enjoys cuddling up to a good movie. If you are looking to get some additional help for your kids, Hannah suggests Gideon Math and Reading, a reading tutor program in Frisco, TX.
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