Private reading tutors can be expensive, especially if a family is on a tight budget. While many parents aren’t experts in reading instruction or might not have degrees in education, they can still provide guidance and basic reading instruction at home.

If a child only needs a little extra guidance to meet benchmarks or to advance their reading skills, parents may be able to provide enrichment activities in addition to in-school instruction. Here’s how parents can be their child’s reading tutor at home to help them with basic reading struggles.

Keep in mind, though, that children who have more profound reading struggles may need additional support or interventions. Parents who feel that their child needs more instruction or who are concerned about a child’s reading level or perhaps lack of reading mastery may wish to reach out to both their child’s pediatrician and the school.

Start the Reading Habit…and Create a Reading Habitat

Kids should be reading daily, because the more they read the better readers they may become! Typically, schools assign nightly reading minutes—15+ minutes or more. Reading everyday is a great habit to ensure that children make reading a part of each day. However, some children might not be too excited to grab a book.

One of the first steps that parents can take to help their child with reading is to ensure that kids adopt a reading habit. Parents can get creative to make reading time enjoyable by establishing a reading routine for kids that may even include a reading habitat. So what is a reading habitat? This is a special area designated for reading, like a pillow mountain, a beanbag chair, a homemade fort or just a quiet area.

Every family may establish its own reading routine and reading habitat. When creating a reading routine, parents may consider:

• A specific time. Maybe daily reading takes place during bedtime.
• Reading aloud. Parents can mix up the reading routine by reading aloud to kids and then encouraging the child to read aloud. Maybe parents and kids alternate who reads a page or a chapter.
• Book choice. Reading may be more fun when kids can choose their own books.
• Ditching the timer. Sometimes a reading timer is more of a distraction. When kids really become engrossed in a book, the timer might not be necessary.

When creating a reading habitat, parents should ask kids about where they like to read. Some kids like to curl up on a bed or the couch. But others may be excited to build a reading habitat like a fort or a mountain of pillows. Ask kids about their ideal reading sanctuary and help them create it.

Tutoring at Home: Talk While You Read

For children who might have difficulty retelling a story, describing what they have read or other comprehension challenges, parents may provide guidance during reading time by discussing the story. This doesn’t necessarily mean quizzing a child. Reading avoidance may be related to feeling as though story time or reading time is a homework assignment, so parents may want to find ways to make the discussion engaging.

Instead of asking a barrage of questions after a child has read a story or book, use these strategies to engage:

• Discuss the story’s action as it is ongoing. When a major event takes place, ask a child how the character might feel or ask them to predict what might happen next.
• After each chapter, help children summarize what happened in the story. Use that discussion to also see if children can recall past chapters and how they relate.
• For younger children, read stories in chunks of texts and discuss the story after each chunk.
• If parents are reading to children, switch voices for each character and emote during the conversation. See if children can pick up on the inflection of emotion.

Tutoring at Home: Play Reading Games for Fun

Reading doesn’t have to just involve books, comics, magazines or other written material. Games focused on reading or on reading strategies also may help kids. Reading games can be board games, DIY games or apps.

While games aren’t necessarily reading tools, they may help kids view reading and words in general as fun. Some classic board games like Scrabble or Bananagrams help children form words, and this may help them with spelling or vocabulary. When playing word games, parents may want to keep a dictionary on hand for kids to find the definition of each word.

Reading app games can focus on all types of reading strategies. Some app-based games are geared towards sight words, others may focus on other skills.

Parents also can create their own reading games at home. Reading games can be completely unique, and parents should feel inclined to get imaginative to design games that their child will like to play.

Go on a sight word scavenger hunt at the store, and encourage kids to find all the words on their sight word list. Maybe they receive a small prize if they find every word.

Comprehension skills also can be developed via a game using a simple beach ball. Write comprehension prompts on each section of the ball; toss the ball, and have the child answer the prompt that faces upwards. Comprehension beach balls also are available pre-made online. Not sure what to write on the ball? Parents may focus on the ‘wh’ questions of comprehension: who, what, where, when and how. Prompts also can focus on character traits or even ask about specific events.

Tutoring at Home: Use Worksheets

A child’s teacher may be one of the best resources for determining the best ways to help a child with reading at home. Reading worksheets may be used in school to work on spelling patterns, comprehension or other literacy skills. Teachers may be able to send extra worksheets home that parents can use to practice with children.

Worksheets also may be available online. Some are organized by grade level, which may help parents figure out what lessons are best for their child. Teachers also can advise parents on sites that offer these worksheets.

Tutoring at Home: Activities to Complement the Book

Supplementary or complementary activities can help boost a child’s enjoyment of reading. These activities, however, are simply entertainment activities that may help a child think about the book using other media.

Listening to the Book

Some children like having parents or a teacher read to them. Hearing the story may help a child pick up on emotions or social clues related to the plot. Parents can use audiobooks for children who enjoy listening to the story. Children can read the chapter and then listen to it, or, perhaps the child listens and follows along in the book.

Parents should still ask children questions related to the plot or characters to help gauge comprehension.

Watching the Movie

Lots of children’s books have been adapted to the big screen. After a child finishes reading a book, parents can find the movie. Watch the movie as a family and talk about how the book and movie were different. Were the characters portrayed like the child pictured them? Were any major plot details missing from the movie? Ask children if they liked the book or movie better.

Cooking a Book Recipe

Many adults and children have read a book only to become hungry, craving something the character is enjoying in the book. Or maybe the character is eating something new and exciting? Ask kids about the foods their favorite characters are enjoying, and then cook up something similar. Reading and following recipes may help children with math skills, too!

Foods from the books might not be a child’s favorite, but trying that food can help them experience part of the story. Foods can be immersive, too!

Book Field Trips

Taking a book field trip is another way to immerse in the story. Eating foods the character eats, and visiting places the character visits help children step into the book. While parents might not live close to a New York museum, visit a similar museum near home. Or take a virtual tour online! Many museums offer virtual experiences during Covid.

Reading about the planets? Visit a planetarium or a science center. Stories set in the past may lead to a field trip to a historical site nearby. Ask a child about major activities and plot points in the book, then plan a book field trip.

The Cost of Tutoring

While there are many ways that parents can help guide kids on a reading journey at home and serve as at-home tutors, some parents might still want more enrichment for their child that can better help them hit reading benchmarks. Private tutoring can be expensive, although rates vary. Some companies offer tutoring services, and parents can find a tutor near them. Schools also may have recommendations.

Parents may feel that there is only so much help they can provide at home using basic tools like games, worksheets and reading guidance. If a child is still struggling, what other tools can parents use at home?

Free Tutoring Services

Depending on a child’s age or grade, there may be options or programs related to no-cost tutoring. For example, some high school students tutor other high school or middle school students for free as part of school programs.

If there are free programs in the area, a child’s teacher or school may be the best resource.

Reading Apps or Programs

If parents are interested in private tutoring but perhaps cost is an issue, they can utilize online reading programs like Readability. When researching online apps and programs, parents should look for options that are research-based. Programs—like tutors—vary in cost. Parents should make sure that the app or reading program is a good fit for their child’s needs and struggles.

Content also should be engaging and appropriately leveled. Readability, for example, features stories that are engaging and interactive. Story content is leveled based on a child’s ability to ensure that lessons aren’t too difficult…or too easy.

Parents may be concerned about older children who struggle with reading. Older children don’t always want to read stories that are focused on a younger age group. While they may struggle to read grade-level text, stories for these children should still focus on topics that interest them. A 9-year-old shouldn’t be forced to read about Fluffy the bunny. Unless, of course, the child really wants to read about that bunny! Readability keeps lessons appropriate for age and ability.

What about results? Parents of children who struggle to read want to know that the money they invest on an app or reading program will be beneficial. Reading programs should offer parent a portal that shows the child’s progress with the program. Readability offers the Parent Dashboard, which gives parents details on a child’s reading level and progress and also provides data related to how long the child engaged with the program.

So what program or app is best? This really depends on a child’s needs. Some apps or programs—including Readability—offer a free trial period for parents and kids to explore the features. Trial periods can help parents determine if the program is a good fit.

From Parent to Tutor

While parents may act as a sort of at-home tutor for children, taking on the role of teacher may take some adjustment. However, during Covid, many parents already had to take on the role of both teacher and parent, so tutoring might feel like a breeze!

Parents shouldn’t stress out trying to make a perfect reading plan at home. Instead, sit down and focus on how to best help kids while making reading time enjoyable. Figure out a reading schedule and then talk to kids about the best reading habitat. Build a fort, pile up some pillows or get comfortable on the couch. Help kids during reading, and, if they prefer, maybe take turns reading pages or a chapter.

Parents can utilize enrichment activities like games, field trips, and even cooking to help children immerse in the reading adventure. Children who need more guidance and help beyond what parents may offer at home could benefit from a reading app or program. Parents can ask teachers for recommendations or research programs on their own. However, free trial offers make take the guesswork out of the investment!

The reading test results came back from school. You might have feared those results and those reports. What you feared, though, might not have been reflective of those scores. Maybe they were a tad lower than expected, but nothing bad. Still, maybe as a parent, you feel that your child needs a little help to hit the benchmarks.

Should you hire a reading tutor? That depends on your budget and your preference. If you’re interested in a tutor to help your child, though, here is our recommendation for the best tutor for reading. Surprise: it doesn’t necessarily involve an actual person!

The Private Tutor

There are many companies that offer tutoring services; these companies may link you up to a private tutor who has been vetted and meets your needs. Typically, parents can find rates to figure out if the cost is in line with the budget. Angie’s List says that parents may expect to pay anywhere from $45 to $60 per hour. The rate, though, may depend on the company, individual and the subject.

Tutoring—private tutors—can get expensive over time. If your child needs tutoring multiple times a week, the cost will go up quickly. While tutors are a great option to help a struggling reader, they certainly aren’t the only option.

Parents need to feel comfortable with the tutor’s abilities, background, and, of course, pricing, before moving forward with lessons. Parents also may need to figure out times that work with the tutor’s schedule and the child’s schedule, too. Unfortunately, this can be a lot of juggling, especially if the child is involved in multiple sports or activities.

A Virtual Tutor

If a private tutor isn’t an option because of cost, time or personal comfort (some parents just aren’t comfortable), then a virtual reading tutor also could be a solution. Some companies offer parents an online tutoring option, which, during Covid, could be ideal. Again, though, cost could be a factor.

Another way to find a virtual tutor is by using a reading program at home. Some reading apps like Readability include an integrated AI-guided reading tutor. The tutor recognizes the child’s voice and provides feedback and assistance when a child struggles during lessons. Readability’s AI tutor also asks questions related to the story’s content to gauge understanding. 

A virtual tutor built into a reading program can provide feedback and guidance similar to an in-person tutor. The difference for parents is that programs like Readability are typically charged per month, not per hour.

A virtual tutor also could provide parents with more control over lessons. Readability includes a Parent Dashboard that shows how long a child used the program as well as their current reading level and progress. There isn’t a question about if the program is working. If a parent is concerned about progress, they simply need to review the dashboard.

Are There Free Reading Tutors?

Parents may wonder if they can find free tutors. While programs exist that could provide free tutoring to students in need, these may be limited. Children also may need to qualify; some are provided to children who have a diagnosed medical condition. Others may be tied to high school programs and may only be offered to certain grade levels (high school children may only be able to tutor middle schoolers or peers in their school).

Many tutors will charge for their services, although parents might find relatives who may offer services for free (maybe an aunt was a former teacher). While free programs may be limited, parents can still research programs offered in their area. It never hurts to research free programs.

Before committing to any tutor or program, parents should make sure that the program or individual is vetted. Background checks are typically required by tutoring companies. Make sure all tutors are properly screened, and parents also shouldn’t hesitate to inquire about educational background.

Do Tutors Offer a Free Trial?

Unfortunately, when you hire a tutor you likely won’t be able to secure a free trial. Not many tutors would be too willing to tutor for free just to make sure that the parents are happy. However, using a reading app allows parents to try the virtual tutor free of charge.

If those reading scores were just a little low and parents need to get a child back on track, they may want to try out a few programs before committing. Many apps or programs will provide a free trial period for this reason. Readability offers a seven-day trial period that gives children access to the app’s features and benefits. If parents aren’t happy with the program or the child just doesn’t like it, just cancel and move on.

Ready to try Readability? Sign up for a free seven-day trial today!

Teachers everywhere know that reading is an important part of the learning process. Reading is the key way that many students learn information and concepts as they get older. When children first enter school they are learning to read, but eventually they will make the switch to reading to learn. That’s why it is important for parents and teachers to make sure children are getting the right reading support early on. Teachers and parents alike can help improve reading skills by providing reading tutoring activities for teaching reading online.

Sight words and building vocabulary

Learning sight words is essential for new readers to be able to build their other reading skills. Sight words are commonly used words, and they also do not follow the usual spelling rules and conventions.

New readers will also greatly benefit from building their vocabulary in general. Knowing more vocabulary words can help increase a reader’s fluency and reading comprehension.

Here are two online activities that can help with tutoring your child to learn more sight words and vocabulary words:

Vocabulary.com – This website is a great tool to use for building vocabulary. The website has many different kinds of vocabulary lists or you can make a custom list for your child. There are specific lists such as ones that only have sight words.

The website also has tons of worksheets and word games you can use to help your child have fun and learn new words at the same time.

Word Bingo – This fun version of the traditional game of bingo helps improve vocabulary but also spelling. There are many different ways you can play this game.

In one fun version, you can have each square with a letter and your child must be able to spell a word successfully to win. You can also have each square with one word and as you read aloud the definition your child must guess which word in the square corresponds to the definition.

You can find many versions of word bingo online with already made bingo cards that are printable.

Fluency

Fluency is a reading skill that consists of other skills working together. Your child’s reading fluency depends on their vocabulary bank, speed, accuracy, and proper expression.

All these elements work together to make sure that your child is reading fluently, which means they are reading in a way that is natural. If they were to read aloud, they would sound just as fluent as when they are speaking.

Readability – Apps are a great online tool to use for tutoring because you can take them everywhere, and your child is able to learn and practice reading anywhere and anytime.

Readability in particular can help with fluency because it offers a model of reading for your child and also gives your child feedback for how well they are reading.

Readability has a large library of original content that is constantly being updated, so your child will always have something to read.

The app gives your child the option of reading the book aloud as the app listens to them and gives them feedback and error correction to help them improve. Your child can also switch roles and have the app read the story to them as they follow along. This can help with fluency as your child can have multiple exposures and time to practice the materials.

Rewordify – This website is great for building vocabulary and simplifying sentences in any text that your child is reading. You can input any text into the website and it will identify difficult vocabulary words and simplify it. This helps your child understand texts easier and improve their fluency.

Reading comprehension 

Reading comprehension is generally the overall goal of reading instruction.

Reading comprehension is being able to understand what the reading material actually says and then being able to make connections between the information in the reading and to what you already know.

Successful reading comprehension means your child not only understands the meaning of the text but can think critically and outside of it. This is important for them to master because it is an academic skill they will use all throughout their education.

Mind mapping – A mind map is a great activity to help your child organize their thoughts about the reading and to actually visually see the connections they are making in their mind.

Quizlet – Asking questions about the reading and recalling information from the reading are also important parts of comprehension. You can create custom quizzes about anything your child is reading with Quizlet that can help your child check their understanding of the reading material.

There are many different skills that new readers should improve and master as they learn to read.

Successful reading means being able to recognize vocabulary quickly and easily. It also involves reading fluently or as naturally as possible. Reading comprehension is often the last step in successful reading processes.

Improving these skills can help your child learn to read successfully and they can improve all of these skills from the comfort of their home thanks to online tools such as Readability that assist teachers and parents teach from home.

Watching your child learn to read for the first time is an exciting time for you and them. While some children can easily jump into reading, many new readers struggle with some parts of learning to read.

Finding your child the right help can mean a lot to improve their reading process. Extra practice at home can help but a private reading tutor can make a big difference in how quickly they improve.

Finding the right tutor for your child is often also a matter of cost. Private in-person tutors can be very expensive. Here are some tips I found to be helpful when looking for great private reading tutors near me and some cheaper, alternative options that can improve your child’s reading skills. 

What does a reading tutor do?

A reading tutor can be a great asset to your child’s reading journey. They can help improve your child’s reading through personalized strategies. Many parents might think that reading tutors just read the materials to their children, but reading tutors often do so much more.

They assess your child’s specific reading issues and then target those issues. A reading tutor will also assess your child’s reading level, so they can check if they are at the appropriate level. They then create a set plan with reading goals for your child. Often a reading tutor will also create personalized activities and materials to help your child reach those reading goals.

When searching for a reading tutor, you want to make sure your child and their tutor get along well. However, you want to make sure that they also stay on task and actually are able to make effective improvements.

How do I find a reading tutor?

Finding a private reading tutor is easy, but finding the right tutor for your child can actually be tricky.  The best places to search for a reading tutor are:

1. Your child’s school – Some schools set up reading buddy systems where an older student helps a younger student learn to read. This could be a great place to start to look for a reading tutor. 
2. The local college – Many college students try to make some extra cash by working as a private tutor. You can often find listings for college students working as a private tutor in the school’s newspaper or their career center. 
3. Reading app – Another alternative option is to utilize an online reading tutor such as an app. This is a great way for your child to get personalized tutoring at a cheaper cost and for a much more independent but interactive experience. 

How much is a private reading tutor?

On average a private tutor will cost about $40-50 an hour. This will depend on the tutor’s experience and credentials. Keep in mind that good and high in-demand private reading tutors can cost up to $100 an hour depending on the needs of your child and their reading goals.

Your child most likely will need to meet with their tutor several times a week to see actual improvements and for tutoring to be effective. If your child is meeting with their private tutor even just once a week for only one hour,  that will cost you about $160-400 a month.

Before searching for a tutor, you need to consider if your child could benefit from alternative forms of tutoring. A reading app might be the solution you are looking for if you want a cheaper and more accessible private reading tutor for your child. Using an app as a private reading tutor is an innovative way to make sure your child is getting the reading help they need whenever they need it. 

Why should I use an online reading tutor?

The perfect private reading tutor would be one that could be available whenever your child needs help. However, realistically a private tutor is likely not available 24/7 and often charges high rates. Instead of hiring an expensive tutor, you can help your child improve their reading by utilizing a reading app.

Readability is a great app that acts as a private reading tutor. The app works by assessing your child’s reading level and provides a wide variety of original content for your child to read. The library is often updated, so your child will never run out of reading materials.

The app uses A.I. and speech-recognition technology to help your child improve their reading skills. Your child has the option of having the app read the story to them as they follow along, or they can choose to read the story aloud themselves as the app listens to them read. While they are reading, the app will give them instant feedback and error correction.

The app also helps them with reading comprehension. By using the innovative Interactive Voice-based Questions & Answers, the app and your child engage in the material together just like an in-person tutor.

The app provides you with progress reports with a detailed analysis of their progress. You can check to see how your child is improving and what they still need to work on when it comes to accuracy and comprehension. You can also see how much time your child spends practicing on the app.

A great private reading tutor near you can be easy to find if you know where to look. A reading app can be an even better reading tutor that can be there for your child whenever they need help. Readability is a great tool to have on hand 24/7 for your child to practice and improve their reading skills wherever and whenever they want.

By 2nd grade, your child is on their way to reading success. They are able to recognize story structures and read independently. However, some students might still be struggling by the time they get to 2nd grade. If your child is still struggling to read, you might find yourself googling “reading tutor for 2nd grader near me”.

Finding the right local tutor for your 2nd grader takes time and money. A reading tutor can greatly benefit your child if they are struggling with reading. But, you need to consider if an expensive in-person reading tutor is worth your investment. 

How do I know my 2nd grader needs a reading tutor?

Many new readers struggle with learning to read independently. In fact, most students who struggle with reading do catch up and are able to reach the same reading level as their peers. Yet, there are still students that are in danger of falling behind if they do not receive some sort of support or intervention.

Here are some signs that your child might benefit from a reading tutor:

• Their grades are slipping. Lately, your child’s work is not at the level it should be, and they are increasingly earning low grades.

• They often pause while reading. 2nd graders should be able to read simple sentences and phrases. If your child is struggling to get through simple sentence structures, they might need some additional help.

• They avoid reading altogether. Struggling with reading can cause your child to avoid reading in class and at home.

• They have trouble recalling information from texts or explaining the text. This could mean they are having issues with reading comprehension. This can make it difficult for them to learn new concepts or understand written instructions on assignments.

• They are above their grade level and need more stimulation. Some 2nd graders might actually be doing so well with reading that they need some more advanced instruction. 

What to look for in a good 2nd-grade reading tutor?

A good reading tutor does not simply read texts for your child. You should look for a tutor that motivates your child and shows the techniques that can help them learn to read independently. A tutor should build your child’s confidence in reading. For 2nd graders, they should specifically target these areas:

• Sight words – Sight words are the most commonly used words in a language. Reviewing sight words can help your child read faster and more fluently.

• Phonics – Learning the letters of the alphabet and their accompanying sounds will help your child identify unfamiliar words. In the 2nd grade, your child should also get guidance about syllables and the parts of a word such as suffixes and prefixes.

• Story structures – Your child by now should also be able to get a sense of simple story structures. They should be able to identify the introduction, climax of the story, and end of the story.

• Simple sentence structure – 2nd grade is when your child should be able to read simple sentences. The simple sentence structure consists of one subject, main verb, and object. So, a sentence such as “John ate cookies” should be easy for your child to read.

• Vocabulary building – The first step in improving reading is to build more vocabulary knowledge. A good tutor is likely to especially focus on vocabulary building. The more vocabulary they know the better and quicker they can read.

• Reading comprehension – Reading comprehension is an important factor to making sure your 2nd grader is improving their reading skills. Your tutor should be helping them with strategies that increase their reading comprehension such as asking them questions about the text.

Using a reading app as a private tutor 

As mentioned, a reading tutor might be a valuable addition to your 2nd grader’s reading progress. However, a private tutor is often extremely expensive and once you find a good tutor, there is no guarantee they can fit with your family’s schedule.

A great alternative to hiring an expensive private reading tutor is to use a reading app to help supplement your child’s learning. There are now a plethora of reading apps that often target specific concerns such as sight words or vocabulary building.

The best reading app to use is one that helps improve multiple skills and is interactive. Readability is that app. Your child will have fun while improving their reading skills at the same time. The app actually works just like a private tutor for your child.

Readability uses advanced speech-recognition technology to give your child an interactive and personal experience. The app provides a library of original stories for your child to choose from. The app reads passages from the stories to give your child a model for good reading. It then asks your child to read the same passage aloud and gives them instant feedback and error correction for mispronunciations.

The app also addresses reading comprehension concerns. Using innovative technology, the app discusses the reading with your child by asking questions about the materials and listens to their answers. This is how the app is able to check and measure your child’s reading comprehension skills.

Readability is more than just another e-reader. The app helps build reading skills effectively and ensures that your child is making progress. It is basically like having a private tutor available 24/7!

During the summer, children with reading struggles might not have access to the same guidance and instruction as they would during the school year. While these children may have participated in reading programs or received additional support at school, parents may feel that this additional help also is necessary to ensure that children don’t fall behind on reading during summer vacation.

Yet, finding resources for struggling readers when school is out of session might be a challenge, especially if parents don’t know how or where to find additional help. If you’re wondering, “what reading programs are near me” to help your child, here are a few tips on how to find help for a struggling reader during the summer recess.

What are Some Reading Programs?

Some reading sites online are free for anyone to access. These educational sites may provide virtual books or additional help with phonics that may be useful for struggling readers. If the household budget is constricted, free sites may be a great resource to provide some assistance during the summer.

Since these sites are free to use, parents should not expect them to provide individualized content for every reader. Many of them do provide a variety of books and reading resources: each site is different, though, and parents can use them as an educational tool to provide a bit of extra support during the summer break.

How Do I Find a Reading Tutor?

Parents may be able to hire a private tutor for their child during the summer. There are tutoring agencies that can help parents link up to a tutor, and a quick Google search can help parents locate these companies in their area.

Schools also are a great resource. Your child’s teacher might have recommendations about tutors in the area. You might find a retired teacher who could offer tutoring services to your child, too. College students also may offer tutoring services.

Before you commit to a tutor, discuss rates and protocol. For safety, tutoring may need to take place in a public location like a library. Parents and the tutor should discuss the child’s struggles and how the tutoring services can best address those struggles. Parents need to know how the tutor can help their child and what resources the tutor will utilize to facilitate the learning process.

Parents could discover that a private tutor is simply out of the budget. Research tutoring rates and review your budget to figure out if a tutor is something that you could afford.

How Do You Create a Reading Program?

Can’t afford a tutor? Parents can step into that role, too! Tutoring your child may take patience, understanding, and a bit of extra planning. Reach out to your child’s teacher to find out what areas your child struggles with while reading; parents who are well-versed with a child’s struggles may still want to drop the teacher a note.

Your child’s teacher may be able to recommend resources for the child to receive additional help at home. Perhaps worksheets or online resources may be an option. If a parent is taking on the tutor role, extra guidance from an instructor could be very helpful.

One of the best ways parents can help their child, though, is just by reading with them. Parents can read out loud to a child and then ask comprehension-related questions to gauge understanding. When children struggle with phonics, parents may encourage them to read aloud and provide support when pronunciation becomes an issue.

Struggling readers may avoid reading; parents can make learning fun by incorporating activities that support the stories and books that a child is reading. Cook green eggs and ham or watch a movie that was based on a book. Parents also can take children on reading field trips that let them become part of a character’s journey.

Use a Reading App

Not all parents feel that they can be a child’s teacher or tutor. Some parents may struggle with reading, too, or time could be an issue. Parents can download a reading app like Readability to provide their child with individualized instruction that can help them become more proficient readers. Readability moves at the child’s pace, so stories are always at the appropriate reading level. Colorful illustrations and interactive features keep the lessons engaging. An AI tutor recognizes a child’s unique voice and provides positive feedback to assist with pronunciation and understanding. The built-in tutor asks questions during the story to test for comprehension.

The app’s Parent Dashboard keeps parents in the loop about their child’s progress. Parents can review their child’s reading level and proficiency. Parents also can see how long their children used the app each day.

To see if Readability is right for your child, try it for free for seven days and check out all the features that will help your child on their reading journey.