How to Identify and Support Struggling Readers

7 July 2025

Reading is the foundation of learning. It's like opening a door to a world full of opportunities. But what happens when a child struggles to read? It can feel like they're standing outside that door, unable to turn the knob. As educators, parents, and caregivers, it's our job to help them. But how do we identify struggling readers, and more importantly, how do we support them? In this article, we'll dive into the signs that may indicate a child is struggling with reading, and we'll provide actionable strategies to help them succeed.

Why Is Reading So Important?

Before diving into the “how-to’s,” let's take a moment to reflect on why reading is so essential. Reading isn't just about understanding words on a page. It's about comprehension, critical thinking, and the ability to learn new information. Reading is the gateway to success in nearly every subject area, from history to science to mathematics. And if a child is struggling with reading, it can affect their confidence and performance in all these areas.

Reading is like riding a bike — once you learn how, you start exploring new places. But if you never learn, you're stuck on the sidewalk. Let's help those struggling readers get on their "bikes" and explore the world of knowledge.

Signs of a Struggling Reader

1. Avoidance

Ever notice a child making excuses to avoid reading? Maybe they say they're "too tired" or that they forgot their book at home… again. Avoiding reading tasks is a huge red flag. Children often avoid things they find difficult because it makes them feel uncomfortable or inadequate.

2. Slow and Labored Reading

You might notice that some children read very slowly, almost like they’re wading through mud. This could mean they’re struggling to decode words, one of the fundamental skills of reading. They might also sound out every single word, even common ones, which can make reading feel like a chore.

3. Difficulty Recognizing Common Words

By a certain age, most children can recognize sight words — like "the," "and," or "because" — without needing to sound them out. If a child consistently struggles with these high-frequency words, it could be a sign that they’re lagging behind their peers.

4. Trouble Understanding What They Read

Reading isn’t just about pronouncing the words; it’s about understanding them. If a child can read a passage but can’t tell you what they just read, they may have difficulty with reading comprehension. This can be particularly frustrating for them because they may not understand why they’re struggling.

5. Frustration or Anxiety During Reading

If a child consistently gets upset, anxious, or frustrated when it’s time to read, that’s a pretty big clue that something’s wrong. Reading should feel empowering, not distressing. If they’re constantly worried about making mistakes, that can hinder their progress even further.

6. Poor Spelling Skills

Reading and spelling go hand in hand. If you notice that spelling is a massive struggle for a student, it could indicate a deeper problem with phonemic awareness, which is closely tied to reading skills.

7. Falling Behind in Other Subjects

Reading forms the basis for learning in nearly every subject. If a child is falling behind in other areas like science or social studies, it might not be a lack of interest or effort. It could be that their reading struggles are holding them back from fully engaging with the material.

Common Causes of Reading Struggles

Alright, so you've identified some signs that a child is struggling to read. Now what? Before jumping into solutions, it’s important to understand some of the common reasons why children struggle with reading. Knowing the "why" can help you address the problem more effectively.

1. Dyslexia

Dyslexia is one of the most common reasons behind reading difficulties. It’s a neurological condition that affects the brain's ability to decode language. Children with dyslexia may have trouble recognizing letters, associating sounds with letters, and blending sounds together to form words. The good news? With the right interventions, dyslexic children can become successful readers.

2. Lack of Phonemic Awareness

Phonemic awareness is the ability to hear, identify, and manipulate individual sounds in words. Without a strong foundation in phonemic awareness, learning to read can feel like trying to build a house without a solid foundation. Children who struggle with phonemic awareness often have difficulty breaking down words into their individual sounds.

3. Limited Exposure to Books and Language

Some children may struggle to read simply because they haven’t been exposed to a lot of books or language at home. Reading, like any skill, requires practice. If a child isn’t regularly read to or encouraged to read on their own, they may fall behind their peers.

4. Vision or Hearing Problems

Sometimes, the issue isn’t related to cognitive ability at all — it’s a physical issue. Children with undiagnosed vision or hearing problems might struggle to read because they can’t see the words clearly or hear the sounds that form words.

5. Learning Disabilities

In addition to dyslexia, other learning disabilities like ADHD or auditory processing disorder can make reading difficult. Children with ADHD, for example, may have trouble focusing on the task at hand, making it difficult to retain what they’ve read.

How to Support Struggling Readers

Now that we've covered the signs and causes of reading struggles, let’s dive into actionable strategies you can use to support struggling readers. Remember, patience is key. Every child learns at their own pace, and sometimes the smallest improvements can make the biggest difference.

1. Create a Positive Reading Environment

First and foremost, make reading fun! If a child associates reading with frustration or failure, they're less likely to engage. Create a cozy reading nook, use colorful and interesting books, and praise their efforts, even if they’re still struggling. Reading should feel like a safe and enjoyable activity.

2. Use Multisensory Learning Techniques

Many children benefit from multisensory learning, which involves engaging multiple senses at once. For example, while reading a word, they might also trace the letters with their finger or use letter tiles to build the word. This approach can help reinforce the connection between sounds and letters.

3. Provide Phonics Instruction

Explicit phonics instruction is critical for struggling readers, especially those with dyslexia or phonemic awareness issues. Spend time teaching them how to break down words into individual sounds and blend those sounds together. Programs like Orton-Gillingham are specifically designed for kids with reading challenges and can be incredibly effective.

4. Give Them Books at Their Level

It’s important to meet kids where they are. Giving a child a book that’s too difficult for them can lead to frustration. Start with books that are just below or right at their reading level. Gradually increase the complexity as they grow more competent and confident.

5. Encourage Repeated Reading

Have the child read the same passage multiple times. This technique, called "repeated reading," can help improve fluency and build confidence. Over time, they’ll start to recognize words more quickly and read with better expression.

6. Practice Reading Comprehension Strategies

To improve reading comprehension, teach students to use strategies like summarizing, predicting, and questioning. Ask them to make predictions about the story based on the title or cover, and after reading, ask them to summarize what they’ve learned. This will encourage them to engage more deeply with the text.

7. Use Technology and Audiobooks

There are many great apps and programs designed to help struggling readers. Audiobooks can also be a fantastic tool, as they allow children to follow along with the text while hearing the words pronounced correctly. This can improve both their fluency and comprehension.

8. Work with a Reading Specialist

If a child is showing significant signs of struggle and you’ve tried various interventions, it may be time to consult a reading specialist. These professionals are trained to diagnose reading difficulties and tailor instruction to meet each child’s unique needs.

9. Involve Parents and Caregivers

Parents play a crucial role in supporting their child’s reading journey. Encourage them to read with their child every day, even if it’s just for 10-15 minutes. The more exposure to reading, the better. Remind them to focus on enjoyment rather than performance to build a love for reading.

10. Celebrate Small Wins

Remember, progress is progress, no matter how small. Celebrate every milestone, whether it’s recognizing a new word or reading a sentence fluently. Positive reinforcement can go a long way in building a struggling reader’s confidence.

Conclusion

Identifying and supporting struggling readers can feel like a daunting task, but it’s one of the most rewarding things you can do as an educator or caregiver. By paying attention to the signs, understanding the underlying causes, and using targeted strategies, you can help struggling readers unlock their full potential. Remember, every child’s reading journey is unique, and with the right support, they can turn the page to success.