By: Shantell Berrett, Reading Horizons Reading Specialist
Finding the right fit for a struggling reader can feel like a daunting task. Resources, like assessing to find a reading grade or Lexile level, can be complicated and while usually accurate, may still not lead to a good fit. There are three simple tips that can help on this quest of creating a successful match between reader and book.
Tip 1:
If the reader struggles with more than 3-5 words a paragraph, the text is too difficult. It is that simple. Minus names, students should not have to struggle with more words than that per paragraph or they will become frustrated and quickly give up.
Tip 2:
When possible, students should pick books that interest them. Teachers and parents need to allow lots of options for students. The options shouldn’t necessarily be compiled because they are what the teacher or parent likes. Be open minded that your student may want to read, may be something you would never pick up. If they are interested in it, they are more willing to make the effort to read it.
Tip 3:
Because the amount of effort expended in the task of reading for a struggling reader is roughly three times of what a non-struggling reader expends, reading should be done in short chunks of time. Reading should be done in no longer that 10-15 minute segments with a max of about 30-40 minutes a day. Simply reading more--for those who struggle because they are stuck at the word level--WILL NOT improve their reading. It will only increase frustration. They need proper intervention before more reading becomes a useful practice.
In short, keep it simple. If a reader can choose a story that interests them and one that they do not have to struggle extensively with, they will be more likely to actually read it. Keep the time short and the reading simple.
P.S.
Share tips and questions about teaching struggling readers in the comment section of this post!
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