Is it normal for a 7 yr old to read slowly?

Question

Like when they are reading Chapter Books (my son is working on the Animal Ark Haunting series right now) and when he reads, it's like he is reading word for word - rather than for content or fluidity.

Is this normal?

Also, is it normal for him to still have somewhat messy handwriting, or get his D and B mixed up now and then?

Answer 1

Normal, yes, but if you're really worried about it you could have him checked to see if he has a learning disability.  If he's dyslexic or something he may be having a great deal of trouble actually deciphering the words (and may explain the problem with D's and B's).  If you're feeling creative see if you can come up with fun games or prizes for him being able to read a certain quantity and be able to tell you what happened.

Also try choosing a book you think he'd be interested in (my nephew went crazy for the Harry Potter books) and take turns reading chapters with him.  If it's something he's interested in he may have an easier time reading fluently.  Be willing to take the time to go over what he's reading with him and make it exciting for him.  If you're excited about it, it may feel like less of a chore for him.  A love of reading can only be fostered by some sort of enjoyment incentive, whether that comes naturally just from the joy of accomplishing something or artifically from the prize incentive.  Maybe you could set certain reading goals for him and offer to take him out to dinner or buy him a toy or game he's been wanting.  The more he thinks he'll have fun from reading, the more effort he'll put into it.

Answer 2

By this age they should be reading normally. This is definately not normal. Since he can read, if you work with him a little bit every night, his reading should show improvement after time. You should also speak with his teacher and see if she has any reccomendations. He might need to be screened at school so he can be put in a special class that will give him the extra help he needs to overcome this problem.  They might only need to pull him into the special class a couple times a week for an hour or so each time to help him with his reading and writing issues.

Answer 3

I don't think any of that is is abnormal. The important thing would be comprehension, is he focusing so hard on the word he doesn't get the story? Or is he getting the story? Word for word reading is normal, but you would want to make sure he is comprehending what is happening, that is what the schools usually  test for if I recall.

Answer 4

Yes..it is normal.  The mixing up the D and B is very common.

Answer 5

Every child learns at his own pace and at seven, his level of reading ability isn't uncommon.  Most children catch up but if you have any concerns it certainly can't hurt to meet with his teacher to discuss the matter.

Answer 6

1] try alternating reading - you read a sentence, then he does. Tell him to pay attention to how you let the words work together when you speak.

Have him read words first, then saythe words, instead of reading.

Reading aloud is an aquired skill.

2] if he is at grade 4 in everything, leave him there! He must be getting the content of assignments, unless someone is cheating!

3] Ds and Bs should be sorted out in first grade - but he may need extra hints. Also considersome testing for any learning problems.

4] my husband is 60, and my sons are 23 and 19 - they all have terrible handwriting!

Answer 7

yes, and yes...

he's still learning, give it time!

be glad he's reading at all!!

when I was in middle school there were kids reading word for word with no fluidity and probably no understanding of what theyre saying,,, and I know adults with extrememly messy writing (DOCTORS)

Answer 8

It is normal for there to be a huge range of reading speeds and abilities at age 7, and it doesn't necessarily say too much about how he'll be reading at age 10.  Some kids are reading fluently well before that age, but many are just warming up to reading in first or second grade.  As with early and late talkers and walkers, it won't necessarily make a long-term difference.  Same with handwriting (boys especially are often developmentally slower at both skills).

If you're concerned, you should talk to the teacher both about whether your son is on track and how best to help him develop further.  Probably she'll reassure you.

Answer 9

Sure, he might be slightly dislexic though. I am and it isn't really a prob, I just do wierd things like write p instead of 9 every once in a while.

Answer 10

it s normal for some at his age but if he dont get better in a year then he could have a problem reading

Answer 11

Yes it is absolutely normal. It takes time to read fluently and he'll get it sooner or later. If he's reading chapter books that itself sounds great! All kids read and learn at different stages. with his reading ask his teacher what she thinks. Parent & teacher comunication is the best key to helping your child. Since he sometimes gets b's & d's mixed up have him put his fist in front of him with the thumbs up. His left hand will look like the b and the right hand will look like the d. B comes before D as in bed. Good luck and I hope that was helpful.

Answer 12

My daughter is in first grade, in "early intervention reading."  She is wonderful at memorizing sight words, but has trouble with phonics and sounding out words.  Like your son, she also gets her Bs and Ds mixed up on occasion.

The reading teacher told me that by the end of first grade, this should no longer be happening.    At that point she should no longer be reversing letters, and should be able to read age-appropriate material fluently, with expression.  If not, it might be necessary to test her for a couple of learning disabilities, including dyslexia.

I know that boys are sometimes slower in their reading ability than girls, but tend to be better in the area of math skills.  This might very well be the situation with your son.  But just to be safe, it might not be a bad idea to have him tested.  If there is indeed a problem of any kind, it's better to identify it as early as possible.  There are all kinds of wonderful learning strategies for children who learn differently than the average child.