Many parents don’t realize their child is struggling with reading until the school year is already underway. By then, it’s harder to catch up.
Summer is actually the best time to address reading gaps—before your child falls further behind.
Here are the signs to look for.
1. Your child avoids reading - If reading turns into a battle, that’s a red flag. Kids who feel confident don’t avoid reading. Avoidance usually means it feels too hard.
2. They struggle with simple words - If your child has trouble sounding out basic words or frequently guesses, they may be missing foundational skills. This doesn’t fix itself over time; it needs support.
3. Reading is slow and choppy - Reading should become smoother over time. If your child reads word-by-word with long pauses, they may be struggling with fluency.
4. They don’t understand what they read - If your child finishes a passage but can’t explain it, comprehension may be an issue. This often happens when decoding is still difficult.
5. They’ve fallen behind grade level - If your child is below grade level, summer is the time to catch up without the pressure of school. Waiting until the fall usually means the gap gets bigger.
6. You’ve been told there’s a concern - If a teacher has mentioned reading struggles, it’s worth addressing sooner rather than later.
Early support makes a huge difference, and teachers know the red flags to look for.
Why summer matters:
During the school year, kids are juggling multiple subjects.
In the summer, you have a window to:
-Focus on reading
-Build confidence
-Close gaps faster
If you’re noticing any of these signs, your child doesn’t need to “wait and see.” They need support.
The earlier you address it, the easier it is to help them succeed.
