7 year old can't read?

Question

My 7 year old nephew has trouble reading, I think he can read some words, but whenever he comes to visit he asks me to read EVERYTHING to him (ie: instructions, whatever) And I say "you can read that" and he kind of whines and says he can't and asks me or someone else to read it to him. Is this normal?

Answer 1

maybe his parents should get him tested.he may be telling the truth.at 7 he should be able to read basic words. make reading fun for him . start the story and stop in the middle ,if he wants to know the ending tell him to read it with you.

Answer 2

Wow, I live in Europe and here they don't even expect a 7 year old to come close to reading! They are still learning all the letters and which sound they make.

Their goal is to have every child reading by the age of 9. I wouldn't really worry about a 7 year old not reading fluently. Practice, practice, practice!

Answer 3

he should be able to easily read those beginner books.

but sometimes kids have trouble.

my brother didnt start reading until he was well into the 2nd grade

Answer 4

Does his teacher have any concerns?  Perhaps he could be evaluated by the school's reading specialist?

Answer 5

No, but yes

Some children take longer

Or their could be a learning disability that has not been found out

Answer 6

7 yrs old is a natural age to BEGIN reading for most children. The educational system in America is really trying to speed this up for no good reason.

That being said, you may be expecting to much from him. He may also have a learning disability or is just learning at a slower rate in this subject than other kids at his school and is embarrassed by that and therefore doesn't want to try.

I would try encouraging him to read early readers with you. (I.E: you read one page, he reads the next) instead of just saying "You can read that" when you don't actually know if he can read that.  Saying that may hurt his feelings and make him even less likely to try because he feels stupid for not being able to read something he should.

Answer 7

he could just be being lazy but maybe he really does struggle with reading but he'll get better I couldn't read until I was 5 or 6 so Im sure he'll learn

Answer 8

All children learn at different rates, however  at age 7 he should be reading early reader books and be able to sound out most words.  Ask him to bring you a book from a stack by only giving him the title and see if he can pick it out.  If not, talk to his parents.  He may need tutoring.

Answer 9

make him sound every thing out with you,,,it is possible he is just being lazy ,,,,,He should be able to read to an extent

sounds normal to me