Yet, Hope for Reluctant Readers
Hope
As promising as a New Year’s resolution…
The anticipation we all seek…
The wind beneath our wings… (Corny, but true.)
Hope spelled with only three letters?
Y-E-T
Yet
Yet means it might happen.
Yet means it can still happen.
YET is the future.
YET is what can be.
YET is our unspoken hope.
The powerful, promising picture of YET…
Dreams for the Future…And for Your Children
Your hopes vary far and wide, and some are pie in the sky, as they should be.
“I want to give them everything I never had as children.”
Some parents say, “I just want them to be happy.”
What will your children will be in the future?
You tell your kids, “You can be anything you want to be!”
Doctor?
Lawyer?
President?
THEN your children start school…
Dreams for Your Children in School
As parents, you want your kids to have success in the classroom, making friends and enjoying the school experience.
You look ahead envisioning …
…your beaming kindergartner who knows their letter sounds, and can write their name…
…your smiling third grader who loves reading, because they can!
…your proud fifth grader who has a favorite author and reads every book in their series
Not Yet a Reader Yet?
Does your child enjoy books?
Can they sound out words?
Can they tell you what the story is about?
OR
Are they anxious?
Do they say it’s too hard?
Do they say I can’t read. I’m stupid?
Sadly, A Glitch in Your Dreams
It’s disappointing to learn, or to admit your kiddos need extra instruction and they are behind in school.
It’s emotional too, so have a good cry if you need one.
When you’re ready, wipe your eyes.. Remembering the inherent hope in YET, speak up and step up for your children.
Talk to the Teachers
Before the situation is overly worrisome, speak to your child’s teachers.
Teachers want their students to succeed, so don’t delay having this conversation.
They’ll have information, insights, and suggestions for you. Often times there are more resources available to you and your child.
After you’ve voiced your concerns, teachers will be more mindful of your child, and that’s a good thing.
Keep in contact with them, follow their suggestions and see that they are following up on your concerns.
On the Home Front
Parents you read with your kids, check papers, help with homework, and study for endless tests.
Please know this time and interaction with your kiddo is vital – don’t stop, please!
It’s easy to become discouraged, especially when it strains the relationship between the two of you and tension at home is high.
Are You Seeing Progress Yet?
Give your child some time to develop their skills with this extra boost of encouragement and instructional support from you and their teachers.
Continue interacting with the teachers, but if you don’t see progress it’s time to do something different.
Would a Tutor Help?
Would a tutor help in your situation? Probably, but this is not the time to hire the high school student down the street.
Keep up your support at home and find an experienced reading teacher who understands the skills, process, and problems of learning to read.
Until the school approaches your child’s learning in a different way, your kiddo will be falling farther behind. A reading tutor can help your child acquire the skills they have not yet learned in school.
The parent-child relationship is a real factor to consider. Hopefully, you have a good relationship and can work together.
If you’re having a tough time of it, know that even teachers find it is hard to work with their own kids.
Interventions or Let’s Wait
Schools will often suggest parents wait before the school begins intervening.
They’re young.
They caught up last year.
Let’s see what happens over the next semester, after the holidays, or next year.
Think carefully. The suggestion can be a reflection of the school’s willingness, ability or inability to provide services for your child. It may not have your child’s best interest at heart.
Students Don’t Win in the Waiting Game
Don’t wait.
Being a “struggler” takes its toll on your child, their self-image and self-confidence.
Research says the earlier children receive proper interventions the better the results.
Sadly, research also says, without proper interventions some children never close the gaps in their reading skills and “catch up.”
What is best for your kiddo?
You are a parent, and you have your own areas of expertise! Trust your instincts.
The Process at School
Not every school has the same process, so you’ll want to inquire about the procedure at your child’s school.
Ask the classroom teacher, guidance counselor, school psychologist, special education teacher or principal what the necessary steps are to receive intervention services for your child.
It will be a process that requires your attention and participation to be effective.
Be sure the reading interventions the school suggests and implements result in progress in the areas your child needs. Unproductive interventions waste precious time.
Kudos and Encouragement for Parents
Keep working and continue to do amazing things as the wonderful parent that you are. You are giving your child all the reading help they will need.