Help with reading difficulties in 1rst and 2nd grade....?

Question

I have two sons 6 and 7 that are below grade level in reading. Both had severe speech problems until really the beginning of this year. I took them to a special childrens hosp. for speech services and with the help of a Developmental Pediatrician fought for them to receive speech services in school. It was anticipated that they would be behind in reading because when they were learning to read they could barely talk. Now you would never know they had a speech problem, but they are still behind in reading. Does anyone know a way I can help them catch up? We read every night. I started them on a Hooked on Phonics program...They love it but I don't see it helping yet. Should I be concerned or just let them work at their own pace and hope they catch up? I guess my biggest concern is that my husband is and comes from a long line of dyslexic family members. Should I be pushing for more help or testing?

Answer 1

If they are below grade level in reading, the school should have some sort of process (student success team, child study team, problem solving team, etc.) through which you can refer children for testing after a period of unsuccessful interventions. Talk to your child's teacher to see what the process is at your school because it is different in every state. If you want quicker answers, you can bring your children to a private psychologist for intellectual and academic achievement testing to look for things like learning disabilities. Best of luck and keep up the good work.

Answer 2

I have worked with many children who have reading difficulties early on.  I used, "Teach your child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons" by Sigfried Englemann.  The book costs $20 at Borders.  I have used it with 16/16 kids and all are able to read.  15 of the 16 had autism.  It gives a specific script to follow.  I have used sight words that have meaning (dog, cat, book) and word familes to supplement.  My son was 3 when we started, and at age 6 he reads on a 5th grade level.  My 4 year old just started the program and she is doing well.

  Just don't hope they catch up.  Keep working with them.  Early intervention is always key.

Answer 3

sounds like you are doing a great job already.  Letting them work at their own pace sounds good for a while longer ....After all they have over come a lot and have come a long way already!!!

You'll know shortly if you need more resources

most schools have some sort of reading recovery program

Answer 4

I would continue doing what you are doing and give them some time to catch up. If by the end of the school year, if you and their teachers do not see marked improvement, I would see about testing and possible tutoring during the summer.

You could also try the website below for information and additional links about reading resources,and activities.

Answer 5

What you describe indicates to me that your sons are non-verbal thinkers.

There are 2 thinking styles:

Verbal thought - people who think in words

Non-verbal thought - people who think in pictures

There are 2 other names for non-verbal thought:

Visual-spatial or picture thinkers

We can all think in both modes but when it comes to learning, we tend to specialize in one mode. It is very rare, but sometimes a person only has the picture thinking.



Picture thinkers do not learn phonetically because they do not necessarily think with the sounds of words.  (Many picture thinkers have had to have speech therapy due to this.)

You should be aware of the fact that all school systems do not recognize dyslexia.  The school's approach would be more intensive phonics.

There is a program that uses the picture thinking style to eliminate the reason a person is struggling with learning to read.

Answer 6

Do your children recieve special ed services in school (IEP plan)?

Schools do not have to help a child with any problems UNLESS they have IEP or 504 plan.

If they do have IEP plan, write and request an IEP meeting and tell them your children need more help. If you agree to what they want to do, let them write it into the IEP plan or they won't do it. If you don't agree with what they want to do, don't sign the IEP plan and they can't do it.

With an IEP plan, schools are suppose to help with ALL the childs problems , they are not suppose to pick and choose what tehy want to help.

If your child does NOT have IEP plan, you'll need to write to sped director requesting an eligiblity special ed eval.

Answer 7

If they are below grade level in reading, the school should have some sort of process (student success team, child study team, problem solving team, etc.) through which you can refer children for testing after a period of unsuccessful interventions.  Talk to your child's teacher to see what the process is at your school because it is different in every state.    If you want quicker answers, you can bring your children to a private psychologist for intellectual and academic achievement testing to look for things like learning disabilities.  Best of luck and keep up the good work.

Answer 8

Please do not be that concerned about dyslexia. My child is dyslexic and her father also comes from a long line of dyslexic people. Dyslexia can be hereditary. My child also had speech difficulties. I would most certainly have your sons tested given what I have read.

Dyslexia is so grossly misunderstood. 99% of dyslexic people are average to above average in intelligence. Many of those will test gifted to superior in intelligence. My own child still reads on a 3rd grade level in the 5th grade, yet on IQ testing he tested on a college level in many areas. Had we not had him tested we never would have known his gifts or weaknesses. I would recommend a nuropediatric psycholigist who specializes in the field of learning disabilities. ( I really dislike the word disability--it is more a learning difference.) You will get a much more accurate and precise test result if you test outside of the school. Most health insurances will cover the cost.

In addition, traditional tutoring methods do not work with dyslexic children. They need a multi-sensory reading program along with the phonetically based method used in schools.

I wish you luck!