Reading Tips and Strategies for Struggling Learners Pt. 2

Hey, welcome to part two. In this section we are going to talk about some things we can do to help those kids who think they are failing, not improving and who want to quit. Over the years I have worked with lots of kids who fit that category and it's not easy to work with them at times, since they have such a negative mind set. So I have changed up my tactics a bit.

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1. Reading Levels - Honestly I have found that changing what level they are reading at during instruction from time to time helps. I don't tell them of course, and just watch as they light up when they get everything or mostly everything right. It tends to boost their confidence.

When I say lower their reading level I don't mean go crazy. I am talking about for one of their assignments or reading passages, instead of having them work at their instructional level, have them work at their independent level. Even when working at their independent level they are still learning, and they are able to succeed.

The next day maybe mix their instructional level and independent level together, this way they can get mostly everything right but it is a bit of a challenge for them. Do this for a few days, and then have them do an assignment at their instructional level. When kids think they can and have a better mind set, it's amazing at what they can do. Plus frustration is not as big of a factor which always helps.

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2. Reassurance - I know as parents and educators, we feel like this is all we do, reassuring our students and children that they can do it. But let's take it a step further if you haven't tried already. Instead of just saying, try showing them.

For Example:: If they are working on sight words, start with the lowest level, and let them succeed, and chart/graph that they that were able to read those words with 100% accuracy. Then go onto the next level and so on, all while letting them chart their progress. Charts can be a fun way for students to see their achievements, and in the process they can make these charts their own by adding whatever colors or designs they want. Then in a few weeks, go over the ones they didn't get 100% accuracy on, and chart it again, they now can see their improvement. This simple task of showing instead of just telling them has a wonderful outcome with certain students. You can do the same thing with reading passages, comprehension and even math and spelling.

There are all kinds of ways to show reassurance instead of just telling them they are doing better. Sometimes they just need to see it for themselves.

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3. Consistency - For struggling readers to really benefit from anything we do with them, we have to do it consistently. No matter if it is reading a book before bed, or having them go over sight words, or practice their sounds. Whatever it is, it needs to be consistent.

If you want reading to become a habit for your children and students, you need to do it from anywhere between 18 - 254 days in a row, depending on the child. I would aim for higher than just 18 days in a row, but that's just me.

This is why parents and teachers need to communicate and why parents need to read outside of school. I know getting kids to do things over the weekend especially reading can be hard. However, even if it reading reading ingredients or signs as you are driving to turning on the subtitles while watching their favorite show. Doing little things so they have more exposure to letters and words always helps!

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4. Have Fun - Sometimes we get in these ruts, where learning how to read isn't always fun for either us or our students. If you feel like your in a rut, here are a few things you can do.

- Read and work in a different location. - Spend the instruction time talking in a different type of voice. - Change up the activities your doing. - Play some reading games.

Or if your really in a rut, and nothing seems to be working. Start over. Don't throw everything away, but, put aside your normal lesson plans and start over, pull what is working out and add some new things in. There are tons of recourses out there for you, just make sure you do your research before using something!

Being in a rut happens, but you have to admit it before the change can occur. Sometimes it's a good thing to start over and start fresh!