A Helpful Guide for Parents Who Are Concerned About Their Child's Early Reading Skills (page 2)

You Are the Key

As the parent of a preschooler, you play an important role in your child's development. Preschoolers are continually gaining important knowledge and skills that will help them learn to read, write, and succeed in school when they get older. It is important that you observe your child carefully and regularly share your observations with teachers, caregivers and health care providers. Sharing information about skills and about possible concerns will avoid later frustration, if your child shows signs of struggle. 

Each Child is Unique

It's likely that your child will learn to read, and over time will become a good reader. But we also know that children take different paths while learning to read. They develop early reading skills at different rates and through different kinds of experiences. For some children, learning to read may seem effortless. Others may struggle with the same kinds of learning that appears to come naturally to other children their age. So when should you be concerned?

Even when children develop differently, there is a typical or usual path of development that should guide your thinking. Many children struggle with learning at some point during their development. Most will catch up with a little bit of extra practice and individual attention. However, you are right to be concerned if your child appears to be having difficulties, especially if he or she is seems frustrated.

Parents are often the first ones to realize that their child may be having trouble. Sometimes teachers mention that they are concerned, and it's not unusual for pediatricians or health care providers to suggest that you "keep an eye" on some aspect of a child's development. Whether or not you agree with these warnings, the bottom line is: don't wait. Gather information that will help you make an informed decision, and take action as early as possible, because research has proven that earlier is better when it comes to providing help.

Early is Better

If your child is having difficulties learning, it's never too early to start looking for ways to help him or her experience success. Maybe you think your child should be able to do something that he or she is not yet doing. And maybe you think that, overall, your child's development is right on the mark. In either case, you can take the lead to find out if your child would benefit from some extra or specially targeted help. There are many people who share your goal of helping your child succeed. You can ask a teacher, principal, school nurse, neighbor, librarian, pediatrician or clergy person to point you in the right direction. Remember, with the right instruction and support, almost all children can become successful readers right from the start.

You Can Help

There are so many ways that you can help your child to get ready to read. Even if it's only for a few minutes, look for fun ways to incorporate early literacy activities into your daily routine. Your child will love the one-on-one time with you and will look forward to repeating this special time day after day. Ask your child's teacher, care provider or your local librarian for ideas about activities that will strengthen your child's skills. Watch for and keep a record of changes and growth. Here are some ideas:

• Read to your child every day.
• Point out words and letters that you find in your daily routines, while shopping or traveling through the neighborhood.
• Sing songs and share nursery rhymes.
• Go to the library and read books together. 

Here are some free resources that you can find on the Get Ready to Read! Web site: www.getreadytoread.org.

• Use the online version of the Get Ready to Read! screening tool with your child.
• Print out the Home Literacy Checklist and check it for ideas from time to time.
• Print out the Classroom Literacy Checklist and share it with your child's teacher or early care provider.
• Print out Get Ready to Read! activity cards and try some early literacy activities with your child and even with a small group of his or her friends!
• Play the Get Ready to Read! online games.
• Go to our partner page and find links to the Web sites of the Get Ready to Read! national partners for more exciting ideas and fun activities.