Reading difficulties

Reading is a complex skill. Many children learn to read easily, but some have a hard time. Children with reading difficulties struggle to recognize and work with the sounds in language. This makes it hard for them to sound out words and read them quickly.

These problems are not because of low intelligence, lack of effort, laziness, or poor education. They are also not caused by vision or hearing problems. Instead, they may come from differences in how the brain processes language. Children who struggle with reading may need extra help and special teaching methods.

What is typical?

Reading is a skill that children develop over time. Here’s what you might expect to see at different ages:

• By age 3: Children can usually say the alphabet and sing an “alphabet song.”
• Between ages 3 and 4: Children start to recognize letters.
• From 4 to 5 years old: Children begin to match letters with their sounds.
• By age 5: Most children can read words they see often.
• Between 6 and 7 years old: Children can read stories they know well.
• From 7 to 8 years old: Kids start reading longer books on their own.
• By age 8: Children usually understand the meaning of what they read.

Every child has their own pace, but it’s important to watch their progress. Reading involves many skills, and difficulties can show up at any stage.

When should I be concerned?

There are several signs that a child may be having reading difficulties. These signs can be different based on the child’s age.

For young children:

• Talking later than other kids: Your child may start speaking later than their peers.
• Trouble with rhymes: Your child may find it hard to play rhyming games or remember nursery rhymes.
• Recognizing letters: Your child may struggle to recognize letters, even in their own name.
• Learning the alphabet: Your child may have difficulty learning and remembering the alphabet.
• Following directions: Your child may often have trouble following simple instructions.
• Saying words incorrectly: Your child may say familiar words wrong or mix up sounds.
• Limited interest in books: Your child may show little interest in being read to or looking at books.

For older children:

• Reading words: Your child may have difficulty reading words and sounding out new words.
• Spelling issues: Your child may frequently misspell common words.
• Understanding what they read: Your child may struggle to understand the main idea of a story.
• Writing difficulties: Your child may have messy handwriting or trouble organizing their thoughts in writing.
• Slow reading: Your child may read slowly compared to other kids their age.
• Avoiding reading aloud: Your child may try to avoid reading out loud in class.
• Feeling tired from reading: Your child may get tired easily when reading and put in a lot of effort.

Children with reading difficulties may also have low self-esteem, feel embarrassed, or get frustrated at home and school.

Remember: this is not laziness. Lasting difficulties may be a sign of a learning disability and require professional support.

What can I do to help?

As a caregiver, being patient and supportive is key. Here are some things you can try:

1. Talk with your child’s teacher.Teachers know what reading skills are expected at different ages. Talking with them can help you understand your child’s needs. Ask for book ideas or activities to practice at home.
2. Read with your child every day.Pick books that are right for their age. Take turns reading pages, talk about the story, and learn new words together.
3. Make reading fun.Find books, magazines, or comics your child enjoys about topics like animals, superheroes, or sports. Reading should not feel like a chore.
4. Focus on sounds.Help your child understand how letters and sounds work together. Play rhyming games, sing alphabet songs, and break down words into smaller parts.
5. Build vocabulary.Talk with your child about new words. Explain what they mean and use them in sentences. A strong vocabulary makes reading easier.
6. Create a positive reading space.Set aside a quiet, comfortable place for reading. Make sure there are plenty of books available. Show your child that you value reading by reading yourself.
7. Praise their effort.It is very important to praise your child for trying, not just for getting it right. You can say things like, “I’m proud of you for trying so hard,” or “You’re improving every day.” This helps build confidence.

What kind of professional support can I seek out?

Sometimes, caregivers feel guilty if their child has difficulties with reading. Others hope the problem will go away on its own. If your child’s reading problems last more than a few weeks, ask for help from a professional or your child’s school. Getting help early is better for your child’s reading and self-esteem.

There are several types of professionals who can help. At school, this may include special education teachers, learning specialists, and speech-language pathologists. You can also talk to your child’s pediatricianor family doctor. They can guide you and, if needed, refer you to a specialist like a psychologist.

You can also find free support through the Unified Health System (SUS). Care often begins at your local Basic Health Unit (UBS). Other services include Child and Adolescent Psychosocial Care Centers (CAPS i), specialty centers, and clinics at university hospitals.