Reading is a complex skill, even though it may seem easy for most adults. Many children learn to read easily, but some have a tough time. Children with reading difficulties struggle to recognise and work with language sounds. This makes it hard for them to break words into sounds and read them quickly.
These problems are not because of low intelligence, lack of effort, poor education, or other issues like 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/or specialised teaching methods.
What is typical?
Reading is considered a “developmental skill,” and children develop reading skills over time. Here’s what you might expect to see at different ages:
- By age 4 children should be able to recite the ‘alphabet song’ with some errors in sounds.
- By 5 years old children can recognise their name and the name of some of their peers.
- Between age 5-6 years children begin to start recognising letters and identify their letter-land names and associations. They also begin to start associating sounds with letters.
- Children begin reading simple two and three-letter words by the end of their Grade R year (at 6 years).
- Children begin reading short books by the second term of Grade 1 (6 turning 7).
- Children also begin to recognise sight words, such as ‘the’, ‘and’, ‘them’.
- Reading skills develop quickly between the ages of 7-8 years and children should be able to understand what they are reading by the middle of Grade 2.
- Reading longer chapter books can occur between the ages of 8 and 9 years.
When should I be concerned?
There are several signs that show that a child may be having reading difficulties. These signs can be different based on the child’s age.
For young children between 3 – 6:
- 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.
- Recognising letters: Your child may struggle to recognise letters 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 (ages 7 and up):
- Reading words: Your child may have difficulty reading words or sounding out and blending new words.
- Spelling issues: Your child may frequently misspell common words.
- Reading comprehension: Your child may struggle to understand the main idea or details of a story.
- Writing difficulties: Your child may have poor handwriting or trouble organising their thoughts in writing.
- Slow reading: Your child may read slowly compared to other kids their age.
- Avoiding reading aloud: Your child may avoid reading aloud in class.
- Feeling tired from reading: Your child may get tired easily when reading and put in a lot of effort.
Other difficulties might include:
- Understanding signs: Your child may have trouble understanding logos and signs.
- Learning game rules: Your child may find it hard to learn and remember rules for games.
- Following multi-step directions: Your child may struggle to remember and follow multi-step directions.
- Reading clocks: Your child may have difficulty reading clocks or telling time.
- Learning new languages: Your child may find it very hard to learn a new language.
- Frustration with reading: Your child may get upset when they cannot read something.
- Sequencing events: Your child may have trouble putting events in order or retelling stories.
What can I do to help?
As a caregiver, remaining patient and supportive of a struggling reader is key. Here are some things you can try:
- Talk with your child’s teacher. Teachers understand what reading skills kids should have at different ages. Regular communication can help you understand your child’s specific needs and how to best support them at home. Ask the teacher for specific book recommendations or activities to practice at home.
- Read with your child every day. Pick books that are right for their age and reading level. Even if your child can read independently, shared reading time is valuable. You can take turns reading pages or paragraphs, discuss the story, and explore new vocabulary.
- Read to your child daily. Reading at a high level will help with vocabulary development and language comprehension.
- Make reading fun. Find books, magazines, or comics your child enjoys. Reading should not feel like a chore. Visit the library together and let your child choose their own reading materials.
- Focus on sounds. Help your child understand how letters and sounds work together. Play rhyming games, sing alphabet songs, and break down words into syllables. This builds phonemic awareness, a key skill for reading.
- Build vocabulary. Talk with your child about new words they encounter. Explain their meanings and use them in different sentences. A strong vocabulary makes reading comprehension easier.
- Work on fluency. Fluency means reading smoothly and accurately. Repeated reading of familiar texts can help improve fluency. Encourage your child to reread favourite books or passages.
- Create a positive reading environment. Set aside a quiet, comfortable space for reading. Make sure there are plenty of age-appropriate books available. Show your child that you value reading by reading yourself.
What kind of professional support can I seek out?
It’s normal to feel worried if your child is struggling. Sometimes, caregivers feel bad 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 get help from your child’s school or ask for an evaluation from a professional. Getting help early is better for your child’s reading and self-esteem.
There are several types of professionals in schools that may be able to help, including special education teachers, educational specialists, and speech-language therapists. These professionals, especially those who have experience with students who learn differently, can provide effective support.
Educational psychologists can assess learning difficulties and can help your child build skills. They also teach caregivers how to support their child at home.
Public services are also available at your local clinic.
When looking for affordable services, it may also be helpful to explore local non-governmental organisations which offer services to families.
Local universities may offer services to the public as part of professional training programmes.
Please don’t give up if you don’t have success in your first attempts at getting help. Go back to the services listed above and look at our online list for additional resources or support. Your child is worth the effort.
Where to find more information
For detailed information on mental health conditions, visit our guides for health professionals.