My six-year-old niece seems to have difficulty learning to read. Please give me advice.?

Answer 1

Your niece should be evaluated for visual issues and learning disabilites to see if either are the root of her problems. Her pediatrician should be able to tell her mother who to see in the area for both evaluations.

Answer 2

My son had trouble too. He got around it by memorizing the words. It wasn't the best solution- especially when the vocabulary words change. Until 3rd grade, children learn to read. At third grade. they READ to learn- big transition. So I would suggest you look for a tutor that uses the Orton- Gillingham method. Most of the teachers that use this method are typically trained for special education challenges- however this doesn't mean your niece acutally needs Special Ed. These teachers specialize in teaching phonics- as opposed to the trend of teaching"whole language" which encourages the reader to spell they way they think the word is sounds. This system came out of California- and there are now students graduating from High School that can't read.Also, don't get sucked into a "pull-out" session- this is when your child gets "extra" time with a reading specialist. This extra help is not often enough or goes into enough depth to actually help.
Hopefully, the cost of this extra tutoring won't be a burden. If it is, I would call a local college and look for a student training in this program. Or look for a Special Ed teacher who tutors on the side- it will probably have to be from a different school district because of union contracts.
Reading is the basis of every subject in school- You have to build their confidence now or they will struggle the rest of their school experience.
We did alot of special tutoring- my son still hates to read, but can finally get it if the book is read to him. And, we have to discuss what is just read and relate it to an experience he has had. He is a total auditory learner and is only good learning visually if it's a hand-on assignment.

Answer 3

Are you her primary caregiver? did she start school early/late for her age? Did she attend pre school? Is she the only child in the home? Before starting school, what did she do when she was at home? Do books interest her at all ? Then health wise, what is her development level? Is it normal for her age? Was she an early birth? Pre-natal exposure to alcohol/drugs? Do you notice any other signs that she may be having difficulties? Is her speech/hearing / vision normal? If none of the above seem to fit her situation, I would look into what curriculum the school is using to teach reading - and it may just be that right now, reading is not of an interest to her- she may very well be a more hands on learner... most schools are not equipped to handle this type of learner and you may need to work closely with the school to ensure your niece doesn't fall behind- see what interests her and let her pick out her own books- this may spark some interest- if not,be patient... not every child learns the same way at the same time... good luck!

Answer 4

You should work with the language as much as you can, as long as it is playful and your niece enjoys it. Take every chans you get to use the language, every day. Challenge her, but do not put pressure on her. Here are some examples of what you can do:

1. Talk to her a lot. Use new words all the time. Hopefully your niece will ask you what they mean, otherwise - tell her!

2. Read many books to her. Read every day.

3. As you read, follow the text with your finger so she will be able to see exactly where in the text you are.

4. Read the same book over and over again until she knows it by heart and then read it again, but this time you read it wrong - let your niece correct you!

5. Play with words, make fun of words! Write poetry. Make a memory game with words instead of pictures or a word AND picture memory! (For example: one card with a picture of a ball which matches a card with the written word)

6. Sing songs, make your own lyrics to well known songs.

7. Let your niece write the shopping list, the rules for a game, lists of her favorite toys, food etc

8. Let her do her own story book with words and pictures. Let her make her own newspaper. Then you can sell it to relatives, friends and neigbours!

9. Let her write a journal.

10. As an adult, be a good rolemodel by reading lots of books, newspapers, magazines etc. Talk to your niece of things you read that you think could interest her.

Good luck!

Answer 5

My niece has the exact same problems too. Although you should never rule out dyslexia. Note however that it's not a disease even Tom Cruise has it & look where he's at now!
My advise? Get a tutor. Better yet, read a book with her at bedtime, help her & support in the right pronounciations. Take little steps at a time.
Most importantly, she's still a child therefore don't pressure her too hard on it. Let her develop her skills at her pace.

Answer 6

Has she had an evaluation? Sometimes a child needs a different way to learn. For example, some children learn to read by phonics, others by reading whole words or sightreading.

And, keep reading simple books to her, showing her each word as you read it. Make it FUN! Ask the local librarian for help to find the best books to read to her at this age/stage.

Answer 7

It is up to her teachers to figure out at what level or if there is a problem. 6 is just at the very beginning of reading and it is not to be expected she can read well at that age. First, the best teacher is a phonics. Get her some Leap Frog games, one of the best is the Word Whammer that goes on the fridge that helps them sound out letters and three letter words. It is more important they learn to sound out the words. There are many things you can get now to help her.

Answer 8

Keep reading and reading and reading. That is the best thing!! My 6 year old son is starting to make progress in reading and all we have been doing is reading lots and lots and LOTS of books! We are both having so much fun, and he is so excited about reading and everyday is trying to read new words. You might also want to read "Reading Magic" by Mem Fox...it has a lot of good advice in there.

Answer 9

Please encourage her parents to have her tested for learning disablities. They can start with her pediatrician for a referral. In the mean time try getting her some Reader Rabbit programs from Learning Tree. The computer can be a great educational tool Good luck

Answer 10

She'll be all right. Keep reading to her, don't stop.
When she's ready to read she will. You could get
her reading test done at school to help with any
learning delays. But at this age, she needs to develop
her phonics and even if you have her answer items
she sees she is developing her vocabulary skills.
Go ahead and label items around your home and have her answer them back to you. This is just a fun way to have
her read words. Relax she'll develop them.