🚩 Reading Red Flags 🚩

School has started and learning is launching into full swing! As your students get deeper into the year, content and grade level curriculum becomes more complex. If you suspect your student might be struggling with reading but aren’t sure what to look for, use the checklist below! 

10 Things to Watch for in the First 6 Weeks of School

1. They Avoid Reading Aloud
   – Your child resists or gets anxious when asked to read, especially in front of others.

2. Guesses Words Instead of Decoding
   – Your child frequently substitutes words based on pictures or first letters instead of decoding.

3. Skips or Repeats Lines While Reading
   – Your child reads the same sentence multiple times or loses their place on the page.

4. Struggles to Remember Letter Sounds or Sight Words
   – Your child is forgetful or inconsistent with common letter sounds or high-frequency words.

5. Reads “Choppy” With Little Understanding
   – For your child, reading may be effortful and lacks fluency or comprehension.

6. Confuses Similar Letters or Words Often
   – Your child mixes up letters like b/d or p/q, or words like “was” and “saw.”

7. Complains of Headaches or Tired Eyes During Reading
   – Your child may have visual tracking issues that impact reading.

8. Unable to Retell What They Just Read
   – Your child may be able to read words, but struggles to explain or remember content.

9. Limited Progress Despite Regular Reading Practice
   – You child makes no noticeable improvement over several weeks even with support.

10. Expresses Low Confidence or Says “I’m Just Not Good at Reading”
    – Your child has emotional cues that often signal deeper struggles and frustration.

If you can check YES to anything from this list, it may be time to consider seeking help from a professional interventionist. Reach out! We can help!