There are many ways parents can help struggling readers at home. However, some parents may want professional resources to better guide their child’s lessons and help them progress. While some children may qualify for additional reading intervention at school, others might not. This may lead parents to try to help narrow the perceived learning gap for their child.

Private tutors and reading specialists may be an option for parents, but the cost of private intervention may be financially restrictive for those on a tighter budget. Parents may consider online reading programs. Can parents use computer programs for struggling readers?

Yes! Reading programs could be beneficial for children who have reading struggles and who need extra guidance at home. Here are features that parents might consider when researching online reading programs and apps that are marketed for struggling readers.

Is the Program Research-Based?

Parents should feel confident that the program they choose for their child will help them with their reading struggles. Some children have difficulty sounding out words (phonics), but others struggle to understand the meanings behind the story (comprehension). A reading program could be designed for readers struggling with one or both of these areas of reading.

However, parents shouldn’t assume that the app or program will meet their child’s needs. Programs should be research-based and many programs adhere to structured literacy, which was designed as “…phonics-based, systematic, explicit, and highly structured, with multisensory elements to help learners retain the concepts that eluded them.”

Is the Program Engaging?

When children end their school time, they typically want to have some down time. Many kids have some homework at night, and teachers often assign reading as a nightly assignment. Reading for 15 to 20 minutes at home is not an uncommon request from teachers. Reading programs on the computer or via a device may count towards these minutes.

However, children may be more motivated to log onto these programs if the content is engaging. When reading at home, many children select books they love or those in which they have interest. Reading programs have stories geared towards lessons; that is, stories are meant to help children gain proficiency.

These stories should still be engaging, though. Look for programs that keep kids interested in lessons with interactive features, colorful illustrations and compelling content. When children struggle to read, they still want books that are interesting and that feature their interests. A 9-year-old, for example, probably doesn’t want to read a story that was written for a child in first grade. Stories should be at the child’s reading level but written for the appropriate age of the child.  

What is the Family Rule on Screen Time?

Some families have hard limitations regarding screen time outside of school. Today’s kids spend hours staring at a screen, and many school districts utilize one-to-one computing with every child having their own laptop. Lessons are via online portals, and physical textbooks may be nonexistent.

As so much time now revolves around screens and devices, parents may be hesitant to sign up for a program that requires the child to spend more time online or looking at a screen. Screen time limitations vary by each family. Some may be fine with additional screen time if it’s for educational purposes. Other families may feel that more screen time is not in the child’s best interest.

Families who are concerned about screen time may do more research about online reading programs. Find out how much time the child will be using the app or program each day. While the American Academy of Pediatrics doesn’t offer precise limitations on the screen time for older children, staring at the screen shouldn’t get in the way of other healthy activities like eating, physical activity and sleep.

What’s the Cost?

Some families may look into computer programs for struggling readers as they may be more affordable than hiring a private tutor or a reading specialist. Parents may look at their monthly budget to see how much they can allocate for a reading program.

When researching programs that are a good fit for a child, parents need to understand all the costs associated with the program. Some may be a monthly subscription. Others could be a one-time fee. Understand cancellation policies, too. Parents may discover that the program isn’t a good fit or maybe the program just isn’t easy to navigate.

Parents also may need to attach a payment method to their account as some programs may automatically debit the fees each month.  Be sure to research the payment obligations of each program before signing up.

Look for Measurable Results

When signing up for a computer reading program for their child, parents will want to know if it’s working. How can parents view their child’s progress?

Understanding the effectiveness of a program helps parents understand if it’s helping their child. Ideally, reading programs should offer a tool within the program where parents can view their child’s progress and program data.

Readability, for example, provides a Parent Dashboard. This tool can only be viewed by parents and includes data on the child’s reading level, program progress and information on how long their child used the app. Parents can use this data to better understand the impact of the program on their child’s reading progress.

Parents may want to keep in contact with the child’s teacher to check in about progress at school. While seeing progress on the reading program can help ensure parents that the program is beneficial, ultimately parents want to see their child improve at school, too. Many schools test reading skills regularly via standardized tests; parents can talk to their child’s teacher about their child’s scores.

What About Free Programs?

Some apps or programs may cost nothing to download. Parents may use these programs to help their child. As with all programs, though, parents may wish to research the program to understand features and if it is a good fit for their child’s needs.

Free apps or programs also could have other costs. If the program is a game format, there could be In-App purchase options. If parents don’t wish to let their child make purchases within an app, they may need to update their preferences.

Sometimes a program also provides a free trial. These no-cost trial periods can be useful in helping parents decide if the program is right for their child. Parents may still need to attach a payment method when signing up for a free trial. Make sure to read any cancellation policies when signing up for a free trial. Sometimes the account may be billed if parents don’t cancel within a certain time period. Again, be sure to understand all the terms of the free trial agreement.

How Else Can Parents Help With Reading?

Even if parents decide to use a computer reading program, they can still encourage additional reading practice. The more a child reads, the more confident they may become with reading.

For children who may not love reading, parents can find unique ways to make reading an adventure. Build a reading fort out of pillows or drape a blanket over chairs to create a special reading nook. Let children choose the books they read, but talk to teachers about what reading level is best for the child. If a child is reading the book independently, parents may want to make sure the book isn’t at a reading level that is too difficult.

Parents also could take turns reading to their child. Parents can read one page and children can read the next page. Or parents and kids can take turns reading chapters. Talk about the book while reading. Ask ‘wh’ questions to gauge comprehension.

If the book has been made into a movie, parents might consider watching it with children after they finish the book. Sometimes the big-screen adaptation is very different from the book. Ask children how the book differed from the movie. What elements of the story remained the same in the movie?

Of course, parents also can ask the child’s teacher for additional enrichment materials to help with at-home instruction for reading. Teachers may be able to recommend sites that include reading worksheets or provide additional resources to parents. Some schools provide parents with login information that they can use at home for educational games or programs.

Start a Free Trial

Parents who are ready to start their child on a computer reading program may wonder how to get started. Readability makes it easy for parents to start a free trial. With a Readability free trial, parents and their child have access to the program for seven days. A free trial can help parents determine if the program is a good fit for their child. Ready to sign up for a free trial? Get started today!

Some students are still learning remotely, others are back in the classroom full-time. As the school year comes to a close students (and teachers!) are likely looking forward to breaks from the routine. Spring and summer signal longer breaks for students. The time away from class, though, doesn’t mean children should push aside their books.

Spring Break is a great time to initiate a kids reading program that can also be used during summer. Reading programs don’t have to be formal or instructive, however. Use these fun ideas for kids reading programs to keep kids engrossed in books during breaks (spring, summer…and even winter, too!).

Seasonal Themes

School breaks tend to correlate to holidays. Winter breaks take place during festive celebrations like Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and New Year’s. Spring Break is usually around Easter or Passover. Summer, of course, includes the Fourth of July.

An at-home reading program can simply adopt these holidays as a theme. During the winter break, kids can read books about the holidays or they may even read about winter weather. Spring break reading programs can focus on learning about spring holidays (including St. Patrick’s Day) or other spring themes like flowers and gardening,  

Families also can choose a theme based on their interests and culture. Or encourage children to learn all about the seasons—including celebrations—across the world. Holidays and even the seasons are a great way to introduce children to global experiences. When it’s spring in North America, for example, it’s fall in other places.

Visit the library to encourage children to read up on different themes for their break. Let them choose the books—but make sure the levels are appropriate. Parents can read to children, too.

The goal is to read during the break and let kids explore their interests and curiosity.

Reading Contests

On your mark, get set….READ. Hold a friendly family reading contest. This isn’t about who reads the fastest. Instead, see who can read the most pages, the most books or the most minutes during the time off from school.

Have kids create a chart for the contest to keep track of their progress. Don’t pit kids against each other, though. Instead reward all children for their accomplishments. Maybe one child read more pages, but another read more books.

Some children struggle to read, so make goals that are appropriate for them.

Start a Family Reading Program

Think of this as more of a family book club. Everyone reads the same book! However, the book must be the appropriate level for all family members. So this idea may be best suited for families with older children.

Parents and kids can brainstorm books that they’d like to read for the book club. During summer, the family may read several books. During shorter breaks, though, just opt for one smaller book. Make sure everyone can get through it. Remember, some kids may need more time to read.

Choose a day to discuss the book. Talk about what happened, favorite characters and why everyone liked or didn’t like the story.

Get Environmental: Read a Book, Plant Something Green

The pages of books are made from paper, and paper is created from trees. Adopt a unique reading tradition by planting a tree after hitting a reading goal. Ecolibris let individuals plant trees for a specific number of books they read; these trees were planted in countries where they were most needed. While Ecolibris is no longer providing the service, families can make the reading experience greener by planting trees in their own backyard.

Perhaps for every 10 books the family reads, a tree is planted in the yard. Or maybe a seed for flowers. While families might not have the space for an entire orchard, planting anything green can help the environment. Or donate to an organization like the Arbor Day Foundation.

Check Out the Library

Many public libraries offer summer reading programs. Each library may have its own program structures; some even offer prizes.

Visit your library online to see what programs are offered. Families may even find opportunities for virtual reading events or other reading activities. Many libraries offer story time for younger children; this is a great way to start a reading tradition at a young age.

Some libraries even have Spring Break programs. Teague Public Library, for example, hosts a Spring Break Read-a-Thon plus other activities!

School Resources

Maybe your child’s school offers enrichment activities during the summer (or spring). Some schools send learning packets home with students to work on during the summer; these materials may help keep kids engaged and learning. Schools also could sponsor their own reading programs or encourage kids to join the local library’s reading programs. Parents can ask teachers for ideas, too.

Reading with Rewards

Some reading programs are tied to local restaurants or attractions. Pizza Hut, for example, has offered the Book-It program for decades. The program lets kids set goals based on pages, minutes or the number of books. When they finish the program, they receive a certificate for a free personal pan pizza.

Live near a Six Flags theme park? Six Flags offers the Read to Succeed program, and children can receive a free ticket to the park for reading. However, the child’s school must be participating in the program in order for a child to sign up.

Check with your child’s teacher to inquire about any reading programs with which the school may be participating.

Combine Reading with Activities

A reading program can be a fun mix of books and other activities that complement the book. When children are reading a book, parents can help children immerse and explore the story through activities and fun outings.

Ask a child what they are reading. Talk about the places, people and even the foods featured in the book. When parents have background about the story—they may even research online—they can start planning reading activities.

A reading field trip can help children explore the places in the book. Parents might not be able to visit faraway lands, but they can get creative. If the book is set in the past and features historic events, visit a museum that focuses on these themes. A planetarium would be a great field trip for a book that focuses on planets or the solar system. Or maybe if the main character was interested in outer space. Field trips also can be virtual. Many museums offer virtual tours or other activities.

The foods in the book also can be enticing to kids. Sometimes these scenes of wondrous feasts and new flavors can make adults hungry, too. Everyone has likely read a book that featured a food or meal that sounded tasty. Ask kids what the characters in the book are eating. Then hunt down those foods. Maybe cook up a book feast! Or eat a story-themed snack while reading.

Books open up new worlds…and new flavors, too!

Watch a Movie after Enjoying the Book

Easy reading programs for kids during vacations or school breaks can simply pair up a book with the big screen adaptation. Let kids choose books that have been made into movies. They should read the book first, and, when they finish, then the family can watch the movie.

Talk about the book and the movie and how they were different and similar. Sometimes the characters look different on screen than how they were described in the book. Plots can be different in the movies, too. Not all movies are true to the book. It’s fun to spot the differences.

Watching the movie won’t make a child a more fluent reader, but perhaps watching the movie can help children appreciate that books are so entertaining and imaginative that even Hollywood uses them for inspiration.

Use an Online Reading Program

While restaurants, theme parks, libraries and schools all can offer fun reading programs with prizes and activities, children who struggle with reading may need a program that helps them read. Summer break can be the time when children lose proficiency; educators dub this the ‘summer slide.’ For children who need additional help with reading, an online reading program may help children gain proficiency with comprehension and phonics.

Readability includes a built-in AI tutor that guides lessons by helping children when they stumble on a word and asking questions related to comprehension. Children move up to more difficult stories and books as they demonstrate proficiency at each level. Children will not advance until they master each level.

Parents can follow their child’s progress via the Parent Dashboard; this shows how long the child engaged with the program and provides parents with the child’s reading level. Parents can easily note their child’s progress with the program to better gauge its effectiveness.

Readability can be downloaded on a computer, tablet or phone. Reading lessons can go mobile! Since not all reading programs are a perfect fit for every child, Readability offers a free seven-day trial. Ready to try Readability during the next school break? Sign up today!

Parents in the midst of supervising virtual learning during the pandemic may be at wit’s end trying to ensure that their children check off every assignment. For parents whose children struggle academically, school and staff may be limited with how much help they can provide via Zoom or other learning platforms. With in-person class time limited or nonexistent, parents may be forced to provide the needed guidance their child desperately needs.

An online reading tutor can help children with reading struggles gain confidence and proficiency. These virtual tools can be used at home and in conjunction with other class lessons. Here’s how to use an online reading tutor to help a struggling reader during at-home learning.

Research the Options

There are many different reading apps or online reading programs, but not all of them are programmed with virtual tutors. Readability, for example, includes a built-in AI tutor that helps children during reading lessons; the tutor helps correct pronunciation issues and asks questions related to reading comprehension.

Programs that feature an online reading tutor offer a unique solution to reading struggles. Some children need auditory feedback to understand errors or for positive reinforcement. During Covid, personal tutoring might not be a convenient or preferred option for parents who want to limit contact with strangers.

While virtual tutoring could be an option, a built-in tutor in a reading program provides a convenient solution. Kids can use the app anywhere with a wireless signal, and so the reading tutor goes everywhere, too.

Parents also don’t have to schedule tutoring times or worry about hourly fees. Online reading tutors featured in reading apps do require a fee; however, for Readability, this is a monthly payment. Not hourly. This makes budgeting easier for parents.

Prices for other programs may vary, however. It’s important that parents find the online reading tutor and reading program that meets their child’s learning needs and, of course, the family budget.

How do parents know that a program will help their child? Parents should research the apps to find out what the ‘virtual tutor’ offers. Does the tutor help with both phonics and comprehension (like Readability)? Maybe the tutor is programmed with different features.

Many parents know the particular struggles and strengths of their child. However, parents also can talk to teachers (maybe via a virtual conference) to help them better understand areas where children need the most help. Feedback from teachers can be vital to help parents find the best reading app for their child.

Try It Out!

When parents have found the best reading app with the best online reading tutor, they should be able to try out the program. Free trials help parents better understand if the program—and the tutor—is a good fit.

A free trial is usually only a week long, but this should be enough time for children to play around on the program and see if they like it. Trials should allow for kids to access most of the features and benefits. And the trial also is a good way to discover program glitches, too.

While a reading app may sound promising, if it loads too slow or experiences numerous glitches during lessons, it might frustrate the child. However, many apps or programs experience glitches so a few blips might not be a complete deal breaker. If the program seems to run slow on the family’s network or wifi, it might be a good idea to reach out to customer service reps to find a fix.

As kids play around with the program and use the tutor, ask them about the experience. Did they find the tutor helpful? Were the stories fun and engaging? Talk to kids to find out more about the program and the virtual tutor.

Parents also should use the app to find out how it works and better understand the features and benefits.

Schedule Online Reading Tutor Lessons

Virtual school is hectic. And some parents may be balancing a hybrid school model, too; that is, kids may attend school a few days a week and learn from home on other days. Parents also may be working from home while trying to manage their child’s education. Kids may even be fighting over who gets the cooler computer.

None of this is easy, and it does get incredibly stressful. However, making a solid schedule can help lessen the craziness around the house. Schools may already schedule learning and class time virtually, others may leave it up to parents.

If there isn’t a firm schedule for daily learning, make one. Create a physical daily calendar that kids can see. This could be a wipe board or just a colorful handmade calendar. Schedule every subject, snacks, and lunch, too.

After daily class time, give kids a bit of a break to wind down and have a little fun. Maybe this is an hour playing games on a device or watching television. Down time also could be outside time so kids can run off energy.

Whatever rec time means to kids, make sure they have what teachers call a ‘brain break’ after school. Rushing them into more lessons might burn them out, and they could lose focus.

After the hour of down time, schedule in some more learning. This can be the ideal time to use the online reading tutor. Parents may schedule a half-hour with the program, but the timeframe may depend on the age of the child and their engagement.

If kids are enjoying the lessons, though, parents may let them continue for a bit longer. Just be cognizant about screen time and encourage kids to give their eyes a rest.

Review the Reading Data

Anytime kids are utilizing a learning platform or program parents may wish to monitor progress. The goal with reading programs and online reading tutors is to help children improve reading skills and perhaps hit the necessary reading benchmarks for their grade-level.

How do parents know the online reading tutor works? Reading programs should allow parents the opportunity to review data for their child. Readability provides parents with a Parent Dashboard that shows how long the child used the program and their current reading level. Via the Parent Dashboard, parents can better understand their child’s reading growth.

Parents should make sure that the program they choose and the online reading tutor they utilize to help their child also provides data for their child’s progress. Parents need to know that the program—and the tutor—is a benefit.

As these programs typically charge some type of fee for use, parents may consider the program an investment. And the return on investment with reading programs is reading progress. If parents cannot understand this progress, can’t see this progress, the benefit of the program and the financial investment into the program may be questioned.

What should parents do if they review the data, and their child isn’t making progress? If their child just started the program—if, for example, it’s only been a week—parents may give the program more time. If parents pay per month, look at the results after a month. At the end of the month, if progress is stalled, parents may decide to look at other options.

Parents, though, also should review all the data. If a child only uses the program for 10 minutes a day, or if the child didn’t use the program consistently, parents may decide to create a more fixed schedule for use and review data in another month.

How often a child uses an online reading tutor could affect how long it takes them to progress or improve their reading level.

Is the App Glitching? What to Do!

After reviewing the data on progress, kids may tell parents that they had trouble using the app or maybe the app wasn’t working properly. Software glitches can affect a child’s progress because they may become frustrated and not use the app.

If parents are paying for the app, and the features aren’t fully functional, call the company and ask to speak to a customer service rep. Sometimes an app may need to be deleted or reloaded, sometimes there is an issue with an internal network, but other times there may be internal issues that the company is working to address.

Parents who discover from children that the app is simply glitchy should reach out. Again, apps can glitch. Maybe the issues didn’t happen during the trial, but now something is amiss. Tech, unfortunately, can be an imperfect convenience. Never hesitate to call the company and ask for help!

How to Start a Free Trial

Readability offers parents a free one week trial period to explore the app and use the online reading tutor. Signing up is easy, and the free trial gives kids access to all the features and benefits of Readability.

Visit Readability online and enter your email for access to a free trial. Parents will receive an email with further instructions. Parents who are interested in paying for a subscription to Readability can choose from different plans—monthly or yearly. Parents who are not interested in continuing with the software need to cancel their trial within 24 hours of the end of the trial period.

Children struggling to read during the pandemic might be receiving extra assistance through their school, or, perhaps they might not qualify. For kids learning virtually or those who are on a hybrid schedule, the extra ‘push-in’ for reading instruction may be via meeting platforms (like Zoom).

Whether kids are in the classroom or in a virtual environment, parents may need to implement their own reading programs at home to help their children boost their reading skills. For those who need help in establishing an at-home curriculum, use this Parents’ Guide to Creating a home reading program.

A Reading Instruction Primer

Parents know their child best, and it’s important to understand that what works for one child won’t work for every child. Children may struggle to read for many reasons. Some may simply have fallen behind peers—maybe they don’t enjoy reading. Other children may have medical-related diagnoses that make learning to read more difficult.

Parents can choose multiple pieces of the guide to use for their home instruction. Create a program that works for a child’s individual needs, and, of course, for the parent’s schedule. Most parents also don’t have a background in elementary education or reading instruction, so many of the ideas for at-home instruction can be implemented by anyone…no education degree required!

Ideas for Reading Fun

Embracing the joy of reading may go a long way to encouraging children to read more or to even just pick up a book. So how do parents implement a program at home that focuses on the joy of literacy? Games, special reading environments, and other out-of-the-box ideas can help children discover and uncover the reading adventure.

Reading Games

Reading is a form of entertainment but some children might not perceive reading to be any form of entertainment. Parents, however, can help make reading a bit more of an adventure by playing reading games with kids.

Kids may be able to pick up on when games are really lessons in disguise, so parents shouldn’t make games boring! Not sure what games to play? Try these:

Sight Word Scavenger Hunt

Younger children may still be learning sight words. These are words that they need to identify on sight. Often, teachers will provide a list of sight words that each child needs to memorize.

Parents can help children practice identifying these words by encouraging them to find sight words out in the wild. Going to the grocery store? Have children find words on boxes, signs or even clothes (think novelty t-shirts and sweaters). Even street signs can be a great location for sight words. Parents can have children check off each word as they are discovered. Maybe there is a prize for finding all the sight words!

Catch & Tell

Blow up a beach ball and write questions for kids related to story/book comprehension.  These balls also can be purchased online and are printed with standard prompts. If parents choose to DIY, opt for prompts related to a child’s reading level or comprehension goals. Questions related to the ‘wh’ questions work well for this game. Who is the main character? What are they doing? When/Where does the story take place? Or maybe parents write prompts related to more detailed inquiries; perhaps the sections of the ball could ask children to talk about the differences between characters or the significance of an event.

How do kids play Catch & Tell? Parents toss the ball, and the child has to answer the prompt that lands face up. This game can have multiple players—get siblings involved! And, of course, parents also can and should play, too, by talking about the book they are reading.

Board Games…with Words!

There are many games that focus on words; Scrabble and Bananagrams are just two popular options. Creating words can help kids recognize phonetic patterns and may help them expand their vocabulary. Parents can find other types of word or reading board games online. Even board games that encourage kids to read clues or cards related to the game may help them practice reading.  

Word Game Competitions

Parents can also host their own word game competition. Using a dry erase board, choose a word or a phrase and use dashes to represent each letter of the word or phrase. Kids need to take turns guessing letters, and the person who solves the puzzle wins. Parents can draw a flower or other picture to show when a guessed letter isn’t in the puzzle; for every missed letter, a new piece of the picture is added. When the picture is completed without the puzzling being solved, the player or players lose the round.

Online Word Games

There are many games that can be downloaded via Google Play or the App Store that focus on reading or words. Not sure what games are a good fit? Just do a quick search on a phone or device for reading games or word games. Just make sure the game is appropriate for a child’s age/maturity!

Reading Field Trips: Let’s Go!

Stories can make awesome field trips! While parents might not be able to replicate a favorite event or scene in a book, they can take children to places that their favorite character visited in the story. Or maybe even a place somehow related to the story. Reading field trips can include trips to museums, parks or maybe even a historic landmark (if it’s close). Parents should ask children about the book or story and get details on places and events featured in the book. This is also a great way to help kids retell parts of the story. If a book focuses on outer space, a visit to a planetarium would be a great field trip. Visit a history museum for a book that focuses on a historical figure. Or think of a trip that’s related in another way.

These trips also could be virtual, and, during Covid, this may be the only option! Virtual field trips, however, offer almost unlimited options for children to explore their curiosity. While a trip to a museum in France might have once required a large budget for those living in the U.S., a virtual visit is accessible to almost anyone with access to the internet. Sites like YouTube also can include lots of video tours of historic locales or even documentaries about famous people.

If parents are unsure about where to go, just do a quick online search. Every book offers possibilities for a field trip! So get traveling with kids. And, of course, be sure to talk about the book after or even during that excursion.

Build a Reading Habitat

Reading together or even encouraging a child to read solo might be more enticing with a unique reading environment. Build a reading fort with blankets and chairs! Or create a pillow nest using all the pillows in the house and let kids get cozy. Books also can be read outdoors under a tree or even with a flashlight in a tent under the stars!

Cook Up Book Recipes

Sometimes books include details about foods that characters enjoy. These scenes may have us craving a particular food or restaurant. Or maybe the food explored in the story is new or unusual. Use food descriptions in stories to cook up some reading adventures!

Enjoying foods or entrees from stories may help kids immerse in the story…with their senses. Cooking new recipes also could be a great way to help them practice reading, too. And measuring ingredients adds a math lesson! Win-win!

Parents might not know what foods their kids are learning about in those books and stories, and this is where reading conversations become an important part of the lesson. For each book a child reads, make a habit of enjoying a ‘story food.’ Ask kids what their favorite characters are eating, and then hunt together for a recipe for the meal.

Maybe the character is enjoying something simple—like a crumpet. If a child has never tried a crumpet or even knows what a crumpet is, this is a great excuse to find them at the store. They can enjoy tea and crumpets! Or maybe orange marmalade (like a favorite fictional bear). Foods pop up throughout stories, and kids may enjoy trying out all these new tastes. Even if they don’t like new food, the experience helps broaden their taste buds!

Pop some Popcorn and Watch the Movie

When a child is finished reading their book, research if there is a movie adaptation! Watching the big-screen adaptation of a book can be a great way to talk about plots and characters. Ask children if they liked the book or the movie better. Have them describe how the character in the movie was different from the book. Did the character in the movie look like the writer described them in the book? Sometimes the movie is nothing like the book, and this can be an interesting topic to discuss.

Not sure what books were made into a movie? Imagination Soup offers an extensive list of kids’ books that were interpreted for the screen.

Practice…Everyday!

While field trips, new foods, and even games can help make reading more fun and more of an immersive experience, reading every day should be on the list as a ‘must’ for an at-home reading program. These activities are supplements to highlight how reading can reach into all aspects of daily life—from foods characters eat to the places they visit. The gateway to learning about these experiences, though, is through the pages of the books.

Most schools encourage children to read nightly—20 minutes. Parents whose children struggle to read at grade-level, though, may feel these minutes are a battle. So should parents leave kids to tick off these minutes? For kids who need extra support, parents may decide to read with kids…or to them. A great way to encourage kids to read while offering support is to alternate pages; a parent reads one page, the child reads the next page.

During reading sessions, parents should ask questions about the story or book. This helps gauge a child’s understanding of what they read. For children reading chapter books, parents may ask questions at the end of each chapter or maybe after several pages (in case children really struggle with reading comprehension).

Listen Up!

Some kids may enjoy hearing a book read to them. Parents may use audiobooks so that kids can listen to the story. This may help them understand inflection of emotion during scenes from a book or story and may help them gauge a character’s intent (from the voice inflection). Parents may want to encourage kids to follow along in a book as the story is read.

After listening to the story, parents may have kids read the same chapter silently or maybe parents could help children read it aloud. Audiobooks can be a great option for children who really like the auditory component. And parents can often find audiobooks at a local library.

Reading at the Right Level

Reading the right level books may help ensure that kids aren’t challenged by vocabulary that is too difficult or by plots that are too complex. And parents probably also don’t want to choose books that are too easy, as easy books might not challenge children to progress to a higher reading level.

Finding that ideal balance may be difficult. Parents who are unsure about their child’s reading level can reach out to the child’s teacher for guidance. They can provide a range of reading levels that are appropriate and ensure that the books aren’t too complicated. Struggling readers could be discouraged, too, if a book is too long. They may lose focus or lose track of the plot.

Children who read at a level below their peers, however, may be frustrated that they can’t read the same books or stories. Parents can read higher-level books to their kids to ensure that they don’t miss out on popular characters and books. Parents may wish to talk to kids about the book as they read and ask questions related to the story to help children better understand the plot.

Use a Reading App or Online Reading Program

Some parents don’t have the time to sit and read with their kids or help them with their reading. Others aren’t sure how to properly help their child with reading so that they can meet grade-level expectations. For children who need extra enrichment and additional support, parents may explore reading apps or online reading programs that were developed to help children gain proficiency.

Parents should look for programs that offer engaging content to ensure that lessons don’t become boring. Stories should include colorful illustrations to break up chunks of texts and interactive features to keep kids immersed in the stories. Content also should be leveled for a child’s specific needs; stories shouldn’t be too easy or difficult.

Parents also shouldn’t be left in the dark about their child’s progress. Look for programs like Readability that offer a space for parents to check how long a child engaged in lessons as well as their reading progress. Readability also provides engaging and immersive content, and, yes, lots of great illustrations to help children visualize the story as they read.

Not every program is a fit for every child. Readability offers a free seven-day trial for kids (and parents) to check out the features and benefits of the program. Ready to try Readability? Start a free trial today!

Reading is not just an important academic skill, but an important life skill that your child will use all throughout their life.

Most people probably cannot even remember not being able to read, but reading is the foundation for learning and communicating.

Reading is such an imperative skill in our lives that we use it every day from the classroom to doing laundry.

For children that are having trouble mastering the skill, at home reading programs for struggling readers can help them to catch up to their reading level. 

What makes a good reading program?

An at home reading program for struggling readers takes into account the specific skills they need guidance with but also gives them a holistic approach.

 The main reading skills that new readers need to improve and build are:

• Vocabulary 

• Phonemic awareness 

• Phonics 

• Fluency 

• Reading Comprehension 

Vocabulary

Learning new words, especially sight words, is important for quickly identifying words in text.

Vocabulary building helps to let other reading skills work intuitively; for example, without a significant vocabulary bank, readers often have a difficult time understanding what a text says.

This greatly affects their reading comprehension, so a program that encourages your child to learn new words often is important. 

Phonemic awareness vs. Phonics

Although phonemic awareness and phonics are connected concepts, they are different skills your child needs to read effectively. Understanding the differences between the two can help you understand where your child might be struggling.

Phonemic awareness involves understanding that language is made up of words and those words are created by putting together individual units of sounds called phonemes and how to articulate them.

Phonics on the other hand builds on phonemic awareness skills as your child then becomes aware of the letters associated with specific sounds. This is where learning an alphabet is an important step in introducing reading at a very young age.

Phonics helps new readers to acquire the knowledge of how sounds and letters work in a language. How combinations of letters create certain sounds and then creates structured meaning.

Since both phonemic awareness and phonics are so important for being able to recognize letters and word structures, a good reading program will incorporate some sort of learning associated with this.

Whether it is alphabet practice or pronunciation practice, practicing and developing these reading skills are important for building other skills such as vocabulary and fluency.

Fluency 

Fluency is a major step for new readers. It is the ability to read with speed, accuracy, and proper expression.

Essentially, the reader should be able to sound “natural” when they are reading and not sound choppy and awkward.

This again is a skill that requires other reading skills to be developed and working correctly. Often if fluency is an issue for a new reader, some underlying issues might be happening such as problems with vocabulary or phonemic awareness.

Finding a reading program that helps with developing fluency can be tricky because it involves incorporating so many other reading skills. A good reading program can offer extensive reading opportunities to further develop “natural” reading.

Reading Comprehension

Arguably, often the main goal for reading is reading comprehension. Reading comprehension is being able to understand what the text is saying and being able to make connections to prior knowledge.

In order for reading comprehension to take place, all the essential reading skills: vocabulary, phonemic awareness, phonics, and fluency, need to be working effectively.

Reading comprehension can be developed and practiced with guidance and effective learning methods.

How to effectively use reading programs for kids at home

Using a reading program for kids at home is important in giving them reading practice outside of their school work.

An effective reading program not only gives your child an opportunity to learn and practice but also makes learning and reading fun for them.

A reading program can provide great guidance and learning when used effectively at home.

Here are some ways to incorporate a reading program for your kids to use at home:

• Use daily – If you want to see actual improvement in your child’s reading skills, it is important to use a reading program regularly.

Use the program as daily practice for when your child is not in school such as summer and winter breaks. This can help keep their learning consistent and show progress more quickly. 

• Keep it fun – While you want your child to practice reading regularly, you also do not want them to get bored of working with a reading program.

Choose reading programs that are interactive and game-like. This will help prevent it from feeling like more homework for them.

• Treat it as a reward – Instead of giving your child a treat or present, reward them with some screen time using the reading program. This can also show them the value of reading.
• Play with them – A great way to get reading programs to work is to do the program with your child.

Using the reading program with them can help you get a sense of their reading level and progress as well as makes it a great way to bond with your child in order to help them learn.

• Practice extensive reading – Extensive reading is reading a lot and reading for fun. There is not necessarily a goal such as targeting vocabulary building.

Extensive reading is really about building a positive relationship with reading by reading lots of enjoyable reading materials.

By finding a reading program like Readability, which has a seemingly endless library of reading materials, your child can continuously enjoy reading and at the same time improve their reading skills.

• Give them positive feedback – Children respond well to positive feedback and giving them words of encouragement can help them to feel motivated to read more often and build their reading skills.

There are also reading programs that give you progress reports so you can view and share your child’s success with them.

Why is being a good reader important for kids?

Obviously, reading is incredibly important for children to learn and to use in school. If your child is struggling with reading, it can often be frustrating for both them and you.

Many children want to give up and might avoid doing homework or practicing on their reading programs.

If that occurs with your child, it might be helpful to remind them of the various reasons why reading is so important for them.

• Learn more words – As mentioned previously, vocabulary is a huge part of learning to read. The more words your child knows the easier it will be for them to read.

However, the best way to build vocabulary? Read more. The more your child reads the more exposure they have to new words then the more words they will know.

• Practice makes perfect – Just as the best way to build vocabulary is to actually read, the best way to read better is to read more!
• Makes them more independent and confident – Independent reading does not come overnight. But reading more often can help your child to learn to read on their own and eventually learn on their own.
• Helps them navigate the world – Reading can open up knowledge about the world and different cultures. But, even just thinking at the simplistic level – reading happens all around us when we read signs, labels, and instructions.

Your child can understand what is happening around them and where they are when they are able to read successfully.

• Safety first – Street signs and label warnings help to keep people safe, but in order for them to work, you have to be able to read them. That is why reading can help keep your child safe. 
• Leads them to success – Reading is so important to academic success because it is the primary way we learn.

Initially, your child is learning to read in school, but eventually they will make the shift to reading to learn. If they are not able to read, they will struggle with learning in school in other subjects.

• Enhances their imagination and creativity – Reading helps to develop and enhance your child’s imagination and creativity by forcing them to imagine what the story that is in text might look like.
• Keeps them entertained – Children are often spending their time with technology and spend a lot of their freetime on screens.

Reading programs on tablets and smartphones can help keep their entertainment time educational and keeps them practicing to read while having fun.

• Improves their grammar – Just like vocabulary, reading can help enhance actual reading skills such as grammar.

The more exposure your child has to different grammar structures the more familiar they will become and be able to use those structures and grammar rules themselves.

• Enhances their writing skills – All the reading skills also can be translated into writing skills. Reading and writing are reciprocal skills, so the better the reader your child is, the better writer they will become as well.
  

Reading is such an important skill for your child not just in school, but in life in general. It is how we learn, communicate, know where we are, and even know how to cook something.

However, just because reading is such an essential skill does not make it an easy skill to learn for everyone. If your child is struggling with learning to read, they will likely benefit from using an at home reading program for struggling readers such as Readability.

Readability is a great app to use for practicing reading skills every day. It hits every essential reading skill from vocabulary to reading comprehension.

As our world becomes more and more global, Zoom has become the best way to connect in many ways.

Recently, the COVID-19 pandemic has made Zoom the program of choice for all businesses, and especially in education.

Zoom has allowed for a new way to get programs for reading, math, and science to reach students in a new and innovative way. Zoom has become the top tool for instruction from kindergarten to university courses. It is a shift in instruction and teaching that is likely to be long lasting.

However, navigating the world of online teaching has been challenging for many teachers. Of course, it requires becoming familiar with Zoom and all its features.

Reading instruction in particular can be challenging for elementary teachers. But, there are also some great online programs for reading and apps that can help teachers make reading instruction Zoom engaging and fun for them and their students.

How can I teach reading online?

Teachers will need to adapt to new forms of teaching instead of trying to convert their in-classroom strategies for the online format. Here are some tips and tricks for teaching reading online:

• Keep it simple – Reading instruction online needs to be kept as simple as possible. Stick to having one activity and work with one reading for several lessons. This more intensive approach can help your students in the long run to spend more time reading. This can help them improve their reading fluency and their reading comprehension.
  
• Stay interactive and engaging – The most important aspect of teaching reading online is to keep lessons as interactive and engaging as possible. Teachers should rely on activities that allow for more student-centered work such as virtual read alouds or playing reading games.
• Use Visuals – Using visual aids such as slideshows, mind maps, or even drawings can help make your reading instruction more engaging. Teachers can also use tools where children can make their own visuals like online storybook makers or virtual whiteboards.
• Think-Pair-Share – This classic teaching strategy is easily adaptable on Zoom and makes for a great way to practice reading comprehension online. Often used as a pre- or post- reading activity, Think-Pair-Share is a great way to introduce a reading material or have a discussion after reading.

On Zoom, teachers can introduce a topic or discussion question to students then pair them off in breakout rooms. Students can come back together as a class and share their ideas in the whole class Zoom session.

• Independent practice – Reading instruction via Zoom also will rely heavily on promoting independent practice. This means providing students with ample materials and time to read on their own. In the Zoom session, teachers can focus on having pre- and post- reading activities to introduce new reading materials and then check for comprehension.
• Use apps and online reading games – A great way to utilize online tools on Zoom for reading instruction is to use reading apps and online reading games in the Zoom session.

Using the share screen feature, teachers and students can play online reading games or use reading apps together that can make for a much more interactive and engaging learning experience.

What programs for reading can I use on Zoom?

There are tons and tons of reading apps and online reading programs available for teachers to use on Zoom. Here are some handy and easy ones to use for reading instruction on Zoom:

• Readability – This reading app is a great one for teachers to recommend to parents of new readers to use at home.

Teachers can have students use this app for their independent practice and then check their progress through progress reports that the app provides. It is a great tool for students who might be struggling with learning to read because it essentially acts like a private reading tutor for the student.

Many teachers might not have the time to work individually with students who are behind, so this app makes for a great alternative to have on hand for students if their teacher is not available to help practice reading.

• My Story School eBook Maker – This is a great app to use for creating visual aids for reading instruction. Students can also create their own story book using the app which can help them improve their reading comprehension and fluency.
• Jamboard on Google – While Zoom also has a white board feature, Jamboard is much more interactive digital whiteboard and provides much more features. This is another great tool for teachers to use on Zoom to help them create more visual and engaging reading instruction.
• Sight Words Learning Games and Flash Cards – Teachers and students can both have fun with reading instruction with this gaming app. This sight words- focused app helps students learn new sight words through six interactive games and flash cards. Teachers can use the share screen feature on Zoom to play the games together as a class.

Teaching online is not a new concept, but it is fast becoming a primary form of education. Teaching reading online to elementary students, however, is new territory for many teachers.

The key to making Zoom work for reading instruction is using the online classroom to your advantage.

Using online tools and apps such as Readability can make online classrooms engaging and fun learning environments.

Reading instruction online can be difficult for teachers, but is certainly not impossible especially with strong visual aids and engaging learning opportunities for students.