How can I help my 6yr old read better?

Question

I have a 6yr. old son 1st grader. He is a bright boy, but his teacher tells me he has trouble reading. Well actually he has trouble putting letters together to say a word. He knows the sounds letters make. And he is good at spelling. We read together at night and do flash cards, even have a leap frog computer game that helps with spelling out words. Do I need to maybe have see a counsler to see if he has a learning problem or is their other reading tips out there that might help? Any school teachers out there let me know what you think I should probably try.

Answer 1

We have severe dyslexia in our family. The immediate family has 5 individuals between my kids and my brothers and sisters. I have one child who has this. This is hereditary, and has nothing to do with parents not being good parents. I would find a good hospital and have him tested. My daughter, who is now 26, was the first to be diagnosed because it was not talked about back in those days. When I finally had her diagnosed when she was 14, I found out my father couldn't read a book unless it was upside down. It doesn't hit every family member and it hits both boys and girls. Have him tested. I just learned they now have come out with glasses for the dyslexia. Please have him tested as soon as possible so he does not fall behind in learning. As for a dyslexia with spelling. They have great memories and memorize the words. They do not actually use phonics to sound it out. Good luck and I hope I could help.

Answer 2

The problem with grade school is that they take a whole bunch of different kids with different levels of cognitive maturity and different styles of learning, lump them all together and teach them the same way. At six years of age, it is possible that your son isn't quite equipped to be able to read! If I were you, I would suggest that you read with your son every single day. Make sure that he sees that you enjoy reading and also make sure that he gets to read books that he enjoys. If he discovers that he likes reading, he will be ahead once he 'catches up'.

If these problems persist into the second grade, it might be a good idea to get him tested. Right now, I'd suggest that you just keep reading with him and see how things change on their own. It is sometimes better to avoid showing children the stigma of 'learning disabilities' until they're a bit older.

Answer 3

I have some great little blocks that I bought at a teacher supply store. They're soft, kind of foamy, and they have beginning word sounds with ending word chunks. It came with a list of ideas for games. They were around $12 for the set.

Get him excited about reading. When he brings home Scholastic book order forms, let him choose a book or two. If it motivates him, it doesn't matter if it's great literature or not. Also, Scholastic often offers great little packs of books that focus on word families and sight words.

It sounds like you're doing a lot of great things with him. Keep reading to him at bedtime. Don't fear dyslexia yet like someone else said. It'll just click with him one day, and by May you will be amazed at your little reader!

Answer 4

As he sounds out words, have him use his arm to help him (visually) out the sounds to form the word. Example, the word "cat"...for the sound 'c', have him touch/pat his shoulder (with one hand to the opposite arm), for 'a' have him touch/pat his elbow, and for 't' have him touch/pat his wrist. Then, when he tries to blend all sounds, have him move his hand from shoulder to wrist. This worked great for my son.

Also, I've learned that placing him in front of the computer and on a web cam can help (and also encourage him) to read out loud. He loves to see himself on the computer and he enjoys listening to himself. Not only will this improve his reading ability, but this allows him to speak clearly and have more confidence by seeing himself.

I'm sure you're little guy will just do fine. Now my question is why boys need a little more 'push' than girls? haha

Answer 5

Try the following sources: 1. Hooked on Phonics (great program and it comes with books) 2. Learning Resources (lots of great reading games, activities;etc.) 3. Any Reader Rabbit software and books 4. ABC Poster for her room (even if you don't go over it everyday, it is a visual reminder) 5. Books on Tape Remember, to introduce reading to her. Don't force reading on her. You want her to LOVE reading. Take her to the library. Read her stories. Go shopping with her at the grocery store (play a game where you look for items with a B. Read the labels to her.) Label items in your house. Write the word that corresponds to the item. Introduce reading to her by Phonics;etc. Remember, she will be reintroduced to reading when she goes to Kindergarten. I'm sure she will do just fine. Have a good rest of your Summer Break!

Answer 6

He could just be a tad slower at reading comprehension, sometimes children, (especially boys) have this problem. If you really think he might have a learning disability it is time to talk to the teachers at school. Keep reading to him EVERY night no matter what, great job there. Here is a quick refrence for you:Learning Disabilities: An Overview

Defining learning disabilities. The term ‘learning disabilities’ refers to difficulties in acquiring the skills needed for success in school, such as listening, speaking, reading, writing, spelling, reasoning, and/or math. Learning disabilities are neurological problems caused by differences in brain development that make it harder for a child to receive, process, store, or respond to certain kinds of information. Children with learning disabilities often have normal intelligence and some are very bright. The most common learning disability is Dyslexia, a language-based learning disability. For more information, see One Tough Job’s fact sheet on Dyslexia. While experts are not sure what factors cause learning disabilities, many are genetic (they are inherited and run in families), while some may be due to problems during pregnancy, birth, or incidents after birth. Insufficient or inappropriate learning, emotional challenges, sensory problems, and cultural or economic differences are not causes of learning disabilities.

Identifying learning disabilities. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 6-10% of children ages 5-17 have been diagnosed with a learning disability. There are several different kinds of learning disabilities, so their symptoms can vary. For details on different kinds of learning disabilities, visit the Learning Disabilities Association. Common symptoms of learning disabilities can include trouble paying attention, difficulty remembering, poor hand-eye coordination, difficulty with letters and numbers, or being easily distracted. It is important that you discuss your child’s behavior and performance with his teacher beginning as early as preschool and communicate any concerns. If you suspect your child might have a learning disability, you should talk to the school about getting an evaluation. Evaluations are free of charge and are conducted by professionals. For more information on special education evaluation and services, see One Tough Job’s fact sheet on Special Education.

Learning disabilities will not go away, but your child can be given extra help through tutoring and/or special education services at the school so that her academic skills can improve. With appropriate identification and intervention, your child can achieve the same goals as her peers. Bright, hard-working, and motivated students with learning disabilities can graduate from high school and go to college and beyond, if they wish. For more information on learning disabilities, visit the National center for Learning Disabilities Parent Center.

This article has been reviewed by Dr. Betsy Busch, MD

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Answer 7

A learning disability is highly probable.

I will tell you this.... my oldest son had lots of problems reading. But he was great at math and science... sometimes it's subject matter that student has the problem with because of the way his brain is wired.

My other son had problems with math and science but was great at the humanities and languages.

But do have him evaluated to see where his strengths and weaknesses are.

Answer 8

wow...but his only 6yrs old...to be honest at that age my son don't really know how to read that well....but i don't force him....kids are smart they will learn that by adapting it....try to give him more time.....but ofcourse try to encourage him more and praise him when he did great....now my son he just turn 7yrs old his good on OCR(reading)....also its better if you keep on brain washing your son by saying that his good on something (such like in math, reading, spelling or etc.)....i did this to my son since he was younger i always put on his head that his good in math now he is good with it.....he even get an mathematic award a wk ago.....you should try doing it to your son.....good luck

Answer 9

Read to him while he looks over your shoulder. Do it regularly. We do it nightly before bed. It's become a routine at our house and it helps not only the reading, but also to wind down for the day.