This is really where my passion is. I don’t know about you but when I first started out I didn’t know how to help struggling readers. It broke my heart and frustrated me. Not because they couldn’t read but because I didn’t know what more I could do to help them. Here’s the good news… through the science of teaching reading, I have learned that 95% of students have the ABILITY to read. With that knowledge, the pressure is on to ensure we are doing our part to help struggling readers.
Why Are the Readers Struggling?
Don’t assume every struggling student is unmotivated or blame their parents for lack of support. I have fallen into that trap before. It’s easy to blame other factors but we can’t do anything about those other things. We need to focus on how to help struggling readers. We have to focus on our ring of control. So what CAN we do to help them? We need to reflect and ask some important questions.
Reflective Questions
I want you to think about these things and decide if they are something you are doing to help your struggling readers. You may be doing all of these things. That’s awesome! KUDOS to you! IF you are, it’s time to look into RTI.
Am I meeting their learning style?
It is important to take into account that students learn best in a variety of ways. We have kinesthetic learners that learn best with movement. Have these students body spell with words and incorporate movement as much as possible. The auditory learner is the easy one but these are usually the students that aren’t struggling because they pick up when we teach through hearing it. Oddly enough, this is the least effective method. We also have tactile learners that need to touch things. The hand to mind connection will help them remember. These students can build words and write them in sand etc. Visual learners need to see things. Verbal learners need to say it back to you. Depending on where you look there are anywhere from 4-7 different styles of learning! Whew! Are you helping your struggling student with the way that they learn the best?
Do they meet with you regularly in small group?
All students need small groups regardless of if they struggle or not. You will quickly be able to tell their deficits when you meet with them and target their specific needs. I am passionate about small groups. I truly don’t know how you help struggling readers without meeting with them in a small group setting regularly. This is crucial.
Do they need RTI?
Some students need intervention. As a matter of fact, about 20% of your students on average will need extra interventions. This is above and beyond what you do in Tier 1 with your students.
Do they need further evaluations?
There is a small number of students that may need further testing to get the supports they need. Be sure you are doing your part with RTI and collecting data because this will in invaluable when it comes to the referral process. Could it be dyslexia? Dyslexia does not mean a student can’t read. It may just take them longer to learn to read.
Do you need resources?
Sometimes knowing how to help your struggling readers and exactly what to do can be overwhelming. If your kindergarten students need specific letter and sound support, then I have your covered. This RTI packet contains multiple modalities and means to practice letter and sound knowledge as well as a school-to-home connection. Check out this exclusive sample for my email subscribers. You can find it here.
