It is important for parents to know exactly how to tutor reading to students with learning disabilities. Reading is an essential skill for students because most learning is based on reading independently.

Reading is important not just for understanding information about a topic but also for following directions on assignments. If your child struggles with understanding the instructions on an assignment, they are likely to not do very well on the assignment.

Sometimes students that are struggling with reading might need further help because of an underlying learning disability. Learning disabilities can make it more difficult for your child to learn to read but it does not make it impossible.

What are the top learning disabilities that affect reading?

There are different kinds of learning disabilities and knowing which one your child possibly has can help you know how to approach reading instruction. Here are the top 5 learning disabilities:

1. Dyslexia – Dyslexia is probably the most well-known learning disability. It is estimated that 1 in 10 people have it and about 40 million Americans have dyslexia but only 2 million know it. Dyslexia can manifest in different ways from issues with phonemic awareness to reading comprehension.
2. ADHD – Over 6 million children are diagnosed with ADHD. While this is more linked to behavior, the disability does make a significant impact on a child’s learning process. Often, children are unable to sit still or concentrate on a task. This can make learning to read particularly difficult because it requires them to focus. 
3. Dysgraphia – Writing and reading are strongly linked skills. So, if your child has dysgraphia, their struggles with writing might affect their reading skills. This is particularly true for those with issues of grammar.
4. Processing Disorders – There are other nonspecific disorders such as students that have issues with processing visuals or auditory.

How do you teach reading to students with learning disabilities? 

Students with learning disabilities can benefit from a variety of reading instruction strategies. Using these strategies at home can help supplement whatever they are learning in school. Here are some reading strategies to try with your child at home:

1. Chunking – Some children with learning disabilities might find reading long passages as intimidating. Help your child to bundle a reading into smaller chunks then have them read and summarize each chunk. This can help breakdown information into smaller parts that are easier to work with.
2. Visual organizing – Visual organizing is an alternative way to organize information and can help with improving reading comprehension. Using visual organizers like mind maps can help your child see their thoughts rather than have all that information jumbled up in their head.
3. Vocabulary development – For some children, a lack of vocabulary can be the biggest issue that gets in the way of their reading comprehension. Building your child’s vocabulary could help them to have more words to easily identify.
4. Multisensory learning – Using multisensory techniques helps them to associate information in different more memorable ways. When students are able to see, hear, and feel words, they are more likely to remember them.
5. Use reading apps – A great way to incorporate multisensory learning is through reading apps. Interactive reading apps like Readability create an interactive, multisensory learning experience. This is helpful for children with dyslexia because they can listen to the app reading the story to them and also follow along so they both see the text and listen to it at the same time.
6. Post-it Strategy – A great tool to help improve reading for students with learning disabilities is to teach them good annotation or note-taking techniques. As your child is reading, have them place a post-it next to each section that they read and write down a keyword or the main idea. In the end, your child collects the post-its and arranges them in order. This helps to become another way of visual organization and multisensory learning. 

Students with learning disabilities can often be struggling with reading more than others. However, getting them to improve their reading skills is not impossible. You can help them make significant progress by using helpful strategies and tools such as Readability that helps to create a multisensory, interactive reading experience. How to tutor reading has never been easier because with Readability you have a virtual tutor at home 24/7! Start your free trial now!

Technology is a vital part of a child’s world now. Today’s kids don’t remember a day without the internet or handheld devices. 

Online games and videos, ebooks and social media fully integrate into everyday life. Even textbooks and homework assignments are virtual for many schools. 

So it makes sense that using a reading tutor online would help today’s tech-centric kids who struggle with reading to become more proficient.

However, many parents try to limit their child’s exposure to screens and digital media. So how often should kids use a reading tutor online when literacy struggles and screen time are at war?

There are No Firm Screen Time Recommendations

The American Academy of Pediatrics does not provide specific limitations on screen time for older children. As technology has invaded the classroom, limiting screen time and technology use has become seemingly impossible. Many schools utilize 1:1 computing, which means that every student is equipped with a Chromebook for lessons and homework.

Many young kids also have their own smartphones, and nearly every teen has access to a smartphone, too. Contact and communication—and screen exposure—is constant. Kids text friends, connect via social media platforms and even watch movies and shows on devices. When they come home from school, computers power up and assignments begin…virtually!

Since technology use is the norm, parents may turn to online reading programs to help a child that is behind peers in Lexile level or literacy benchmarks. Online platforms may easily integrate into a child’s tech savvy routine, but parents may worry that this extra time only extends screen use and dependency.

A reading tutor online, however, serves as a virtual reading assistant to help kids catch pronunciation mistakes and provide meaningful feedback during lessons. This virtual helper can prove to be an extremely important resource for families who cannot afford the rate of a real-life tutor.  

How Much Tutor Time is Enough…or Too Much?

With many online reading programs—including Readability—children progress at their own speed. Some kids become so engrossed in reading lessons that they lose track of how long they have been on the program.

Others could tire out a bit more easily or may become bored or disengaged as their attention wanes. How much tutor time a child utilizes is very much a decision that is left to the parents.

Parents could also decide to use online reading time as a part of nightly reading minutes to limit screen time (if kids often read ebooks) or just to lower the risk eyestrain. When new books from the Harry Potter series were released, kids often read so long that they began to suffer from a unique diagnosis: “Hogwart’s Headaches.”

Kids should not read to the point that they experience headaches, eye pain or other issues. While parents may have a time limit, if pain or other issues become apparent, kids need to take a break.

What if Kids Avoid Reading Completely?

The flip side could also hold true. Some kids hate reading; they will avoid books at all costs. The more a child reads, though, the more proficient they will become at reading. It’s important that kids engage both with online intervention programs and bound books.

For kids that hate reading, try these tips:

• Create a fun atmosphere. Build a reading fort!
• Start a reading routine. Make reading time a part of a bedtime routine so that it becomes a habit.
• Follow along an audiobook. Let kids follow the text as the book is read aloud.
• Make a habit to watch the movie of every book you read (if one exists). Then talk to kids about the differences or similarities. Did the movie follow the plot of the book?
• Have conversations during reading. Keep kids engaged by asking questions about the characters and plot.

Choose books that are colorful or well-illustrated to break up the overwhelming amount of text.

Keep in mind that when kids complete lessons through Readability, the online tutor will help keep them engaged. Any time a child stumbles or has pronunciation issues, the tutor will gently guide and correct the mistakes.

Readability’s online tutor also provides positive feedback during lessons. Kids will feel a sense of encouragement during lessons. When kids feel happy and supported, they will enjoy lessons even more.

Should You Set a Timer During Online Tutoring or Reading Time?

When kids are working with their online reading tutor or reading independently, keeping a running tally of time will just lead to frustration and interruptions. Timers may seem useful to keep a child reading for 20 minutes, but what happens if they become engrossed in lessons or a book and the timer blares? The child stops reading!

Have a benchmark time limit and then encourage kids to take a break for a bit. If a child is ready to stop reading after 30 minutes, it’s ok to let them step away. Reading time shouldn’t be a battle, a fight or a timed event.

If your child is struggling with reading or is reading below grade level, a reading tutor online could help boost their proficiency. Try Readability for free to see if it meets the needs of your child!

There’s nothing more heartbreaking than watching your child struggle with reading. Parents often feel helpless in this situation, but there’s actually a way for parents to step in and help their children succeed. Reading tutors can provide additional help to your child outside of the classroom so they can quickly improve their skills and catch up with their classmates.

Searching for a “free reading tutor near me” may return a mishmash of confusing results. Simplify the process by following these tips to find the perfect tutor:

Try Tutoring Your Child

Many parents live busy lives with very little free time. But if you are able to, you may want to consider tutoring your child yourself. No one understands your child quite like you do, so you may be able to teach your child in a way that other tutors cannot.

Make sure your child is comfortable with this arrangement before making it official. Some children love learning from their parents, whereas others may prefer working one-on-one with a professional tutor. Children have to be comfortable with the idea in order to benefit from your tutoring, so discuss this with them before exploring other free tutoring options.

Talk to Your Child’s School

You should also discuss your need for a free reading tutor with your child’s school. Many schools offer a number of free tutoring options through after school programs. If these programs aren’t available, the school may be willing to arrange for a classroom aide to tutor your child before or after school hours.

The principal or guidance counselor may also know of an older student at school who excels at reading and is willing to help. For example, if your child is in first grade, a fourth or fifth grader who has advanced reading skills may be able to tutor your child. In fact, kids may feel more comfortable working with someone who is so close to their own age.

Contact Local Colleges

If there is a college near you, contact the dean of the college of education to ask about tutoring services. Students who are studying to become elementary school teachers may provide tutoring services in order to earn extra money while they finish school.

Since these students are studying to become teachers, they will know exactly how to teach your child the skills they need to achieve academic success. Plus, tutoring will help these students gain invaluable experience, so they may not charge much, if anything, for their services.

Reach Out to Non-Profit Organizations

Schools and universities aren’t the only places that could offer free reading tutoring services for children in your community. Parents should also make an effort to contact local non-profit organizations in the area.

There are a number of non-profit organizations that offer free tutoring services to local children. For example, the Boys and Girls Club of America provides homework assistance for children who are in grades K-12. The Learn to Be Foundation is another non-profit organization that provides free reading tutoring services for struggling readers. If these organizations are located near you, don’t hesitate to contact them to learn more.

Research these non-profit organizations—and others in your community—to see if any are a good fit for your child.

Join the PTA

If you are running out of options, consider becoming a member of the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) so you can advocate for change. Encourage other parents and teachers to support establishing free tutoring services for children at the school.

Even if you cannot bring free tutoring to your child’s school, joining the PTA can help you connect with other parents who are dealing with similar issues with their children. They may be able to provide valuable insight on how to find a reliable tutor based on their own experience.

Go Digital 

You don’t have to look very far for a low-cost reading tutor. Why? Your child can connect with a virtual reading tutor by downloading the Readability app on their smartphone or tablet device. Using this app, children can either listen to stories or try reading them aloud on their own. The app uses advanced speech recognition and artificial intelligence technology to listen to your child read and instantly correct their mistakes. Receiving this type of real-time feedback can help them learn from their errors and become stronger readers.

Parents, visit the Google Play or Apple App store to download the Readability app and sign up for your free 7-day trial today. Then, watch your child blossom into a better reader!

Every child learns at a different pace. Some children will quickly pick up on reading, but many others may struggle to keep up with their classmates. In fact, it’s estimated that 65% of fourth graders in the U.S. read at or below their reading level.

Seeing your child struggle to read can make you feel helpless. But fortunately, there is something you can do to help your child. Parents should take advantage of free reading tutoring services to help their children develop the skills they need to blossom into successful readers.

Does My Child Need Reading Tutoring?

Before exploring free tutoring options, it’s important for parents to understand how they can determine whether or not their child is in need of reading help. Your child’s teacher may tell you if your child is struggling to read. But you don’t have to wait for your child’s teacher to realize that there is a problem to get help.

There are certain signs that indicate a child is struggling to read that parents should look for, including:

• Confusing letters that look alike, such as “d” or “p,” or sound alike, such as “d” and “t.”
• Having trouble rhyming basic words, such as “hat” and “fat.”
• Forgetting common sight words that are frequently used in the English language, including “the,” “is,” and “it.”
• Spelling the same word in two or more different ways when writing.
• Omitting syllables or saying the syllables out of order when sounding out a new word.
• Refusing to read or making excuses about why they do not enjoy reading.
• Recognizing a word once, but then failing to recognize it the second time it appears in a passage.
• Paying no attention to punctuation when reading a passage.
• Relying too heavily on context clues, such as the illustrations on each page, to determine what the passage is about.

If you spot any of these signs, your child may be a struggling reader who needs extra help from a reading tutor.

Do Public Schools Offer Free Reading Tutoring?

The U.S. Department of Education provides supplemental educational services, including tutoring in reading, language arts, and math, to certain public school students. These services are available to students before or after school hours, on the weekends, and even during summer break.

Supplemental educational services are not provided to all public school students. To receive these services, students must meet certain eligibility requirements. For example, children must come from a low-income family and attend a Title I school that the state has designated as one that needs to be improved.

Many children are not eligible for these services due to these restricting requirements. However, if your child is eligible, you may want to consider taking advantage of these free services.

Where Can I Find A Free Reading Tutor?

It can be very difficult to find a free reading tutor outside of the supplemental educational services provided by the Department of Education. If your child does not qualify for these services, consider asking a family member, such as an older sibling or cousin, to tutor your child. You can also try to tutor your child as long as your child feels comfortable with this arrangement.  A very good option is to try a reading app like Readability, that will guide you through the process so that your child achieves the objectives traced.

How Much Does A Private Reading Tutor Cost?

Many parents are willing to spend money on a private reading tutor in order to help their child improve their reading skills—that is, until they find out how much a tutor costs.

The cost of a tutor can vary depending on the tutor’s skill, the subject, and your location. But on average, a private reading tutor can cost anywhere from $25-80 per hour. Most children need about three hours of tutoring per week, which means hiring a private tutor could cost you between $300-960 per month. This is far more than most parents are willing or able to spend on a reading tutor for their child.

Low-Cost Reading Tutoring Services For Children

Free reading tutoring resources are rather limited, but there are low-cost options that parents should consider. One low-cost reading tutoring service is the Readability app, which uses artificial intelligence and advanced speech recognition to improve your child’s reading skills. With this app, children will receive immediate feedback so they can instantly correct and learn from their mistakes.

Kids will love the wide variety of stories available on the Readability app, and parents will love that they can track their child’s progress over time. Download the app on your smartphone or tablet to start your free 7-day trial today.

Reading struggles affect about 10 million kids, according to Reading Rockets. Parents who have a child who is having difficulty reading at grade level may feel that there is a lack of support options available, especially if the child fails to qualify for intervention programs at school.

Private tutoring may be one way to help struggling readers catch up to their peers, but families living in rural areas may have difficulty finding a qualified tutor.  Parents may wonder: “Is there a reading tutoring near me?” The answer is: YES!

When you’re struggling to find a tutor to help your child improve reading fluency and comprehension, here are a few resources to locate help:

Tutoring Through High School Service Projects    

Some high school clubs or organizations require that members give back to the community through service projects. Students may tutor other students to earn community service credits to meet these membership requirements, and, yes, these services are typically free. If you’re struggling to find a tutor for your child, contact your local high school to inquire about any tutoring programs affiliated with clubs or school organizations. Since the tutor will be another student, tutoring times may be limited to certain days of the week.

Private Tutoring Services Offered By Teachers

Some teachers offer tutoring services to help struggling students during the summer break or maybe even during the school year. Your school may have a list of teachers who are willing to help your child during breaks or after school. Contact your school or school district for any available resources. Teachers also may be able to help you locate private tutors, too. There may be a charge for tutoring services. 

After-School Tutoring

There are so many teachers who go above and beyond the call of duty. Some schools offer extra help after school for students struggling in specific subjects. Every school and district may have unique programs; get in touch with an administrator at your child’s school to inquire about any after-school enrichment opportunities.

Online Reading Programs

Online reading programs like Readability also provide tutoring services—via a virtual AI tutor. Online programs can ensure that your child receives the guidance needed to help increase phonetic fluency and improve reading comprehension. Like private tutoring services, online programs grow with your child. The virtual tutor also provides auditory feedback, gently correcting pronunciation errors to help children catch their mistakes.

Voice recognition software allows the tutor to identify your child’s unique voice; this recognition is important as everyone has unique voice inflections that can affect the pronunciation or sound of a word. Pronouncing potato as PO-tah-toe doesn’t change the meaning of the word, and the software is designed to understand that this isn’t a pronunciation issue.

Don’t Stop Advocating for Your Child!

When parents realize that their child is struggling to read, the first step should be to reach out to the school for guidance. Tutors are a great option, but parents need to advocate for their child to determine if s/he could qualify for help through the school. Qualifying for reading intervention programs may differ by school or school district. A child may be given additional support without question, but other schools may require more evidence to support intervention.

In the case of pushing for intervention, most parents find that “the squeaky wheel gets the grease.” Pursuing all options and advocating at all levels is important to ensure that your child doesn’t fall through the cracks. When approaching teachers or administrators about additional help for your child, you may need to consistently follow-up. Ask about what testing might be necessary to qualify for intervention, discuss options and keep an open dialogue with both your child’s teacher and administrators. Understand, though, that sometimes qualifying for intervention can take time.

Parents who realize their child is struggling to read at grade level may find the hunt for a tutor to be daunting, especially in more remote areas. “Is there a reading tutor near me?” may be a common question or concern. However, there are many options available to parents seeking reading help for their child. High school clubs or organizations may offer tutoring services as part of community service projects. Retired teachers also may be available to offer tutoring services to struggling students, and some schools also offer after-school programs that provide enrichment options for students needing help in a particular subject. There also are companies that help match families with local tutors. Of course, online reading programs like Readability provide a virtual tutor for unique one-on-one reading support. Interested in learning more about Readability? Try the program out for free to see if it’s a good fit for your child.

Every child is different—especially when it comes to learning how to read. Some children will pick up on reading quickly, whereas others may need additional help to develop crucial reading skills. If your child is struggling with reading, it may be in their best interest to work with a reading tutor. Here’s what parents should know before turning to Google to search for “reading tutors near me”:

What is Reading Tutoring?

A reading tutor is someone who helps children improve their reading skills outside of the classroom. Tutors work one-on-one with students, so they are able to tailor their instruction and feedback to meet a child’s unique needs.

For example, a child may struggle with phonics skills even though he has above average reading comprehension skills. Other children in his class at school have poor reading comprehension skills, so his teacher’s lesson plan may focus heavily on this area. As a result, he is unable to improve his phonics skills at school.

In this example, the child would benefit from reading tutoring. In a one-on-one setting, the child will only have to work on skills that he needs to improve to become a better reader.

How Many Hours of Tutoring Are Recommended?

The number of hours of tutoring that your child will need to improve their reading skills will vary on a case-by-case basis. If your child has always struggled with reading, two to three hours of tutoring per week may be best. However, if your child started out strong but is starting to fall behind, one to two hours per week should be enough.

Sometimes, parents hire a tutor simply to keep their children motivated to read. If this is the case, one hour a week should be enough to get your child back in the habit of reading.

Tutoring should continue until your child has drastically improved their reading skills. It’s up to parents to determine when children are no longer in need of a reading tutor.

What Age Should You Start Reading Tutoring?

Don’t focus on your child’s age when determining whether or not it’s the right time to hire a tutor. Instead, focus on your child’s reading skills. It may be appropriate to hire a reading tutor if:

• Your child is not receiving enough reading instruction in the classroom.
• Your child specifically requests help with reading.
• Your child is not confident in their reading skills.
• Your child’s reading grades are slipping.
• Your child’s teacher has expressed concern about your child’s reading skills.
• Your child is not able to read at their grade level.

In these situations, parents should consider hiring a reading tutor to help their children improve their reading skills.

Private Tutors vs. Virtual Tutors

There are two main types of reading tutors: private tutors and virtual tutors. It’s important to learn more about these options before choosing which one is right for your child. 

Cost

Private tutors can cost between $25 to $80 per hour. Teaching a child how to read is not easy, so the hours will add up fairly quickly. Fortunately, working with a virtual tutor is much more affordable.

Accessibility

Private tutors work with numerous clients, so you will have to schedule a time for your child to meet with them in advance. If something comes up that prevents your child from meeting during their scheduled time, the tutor may not be able to reschedule at a time that is convenient for your family.

Private tutors are in high demand, so their schedules tend to be booked way in advance. Finding time isn’t an issue with a virtual tutor. Your child can work on their reading skills whenever it is most convenient for them.

Effectiveness

Both private tutors and virtual tutors can help children improve their reading skills. But parents can closely monitor their child’s progress if they work with a virtual tutor. Plus, children may feel more comfortable working with a virtual tutor instead of a private tutor, who they may view as an intimidating authority figure.

Let Your Child Connect With A Virtual Tutor Today

Your search for a reading tutor is over. Download the Readability app on your smartphone or tablet so your child can connect with a virtual reading tutor. The Readability app uses advanced speech recognition and artificial intelligence to provide instant feedback and corrections to your child as they read aloud. Thanks to the Readability app, your child can meet with a reading tutor anytime, anywhere. Sign up for your free 7-day trial today.