Understanding Reading Challenges and How to Support Them: A Guide for Families

     Reading can be tough for many reasons because it is not just one thing you learn. It is made up of many smaller tasks that our brains connect together. Sometimes, students find reading to be challenging, and here are some common reasons why:

• Letters and Sounds (Phonemic Awareness and Phonics): Some students find it hard to hear and work with the sounds in words, which makes it difficult to read them. Research shows that teaching these skills in a clear and organized way helps build a strong foundation for reading.
   
• Knowing Lots of Words (Vocabulary): If a student doesn’t know many words, it can be hard to understand what they read. Families and teachers help a lot by teaching new words in a clear way, especially for kids who are learning English.
   
• Reading Smoothly for Fluency (Reading Fluency): If a student reads slowly and makes lots of mistakes, it’s hard for them to understand what they are reading. Reading the same piece over or having someone to read with, can help students read more smoothly.
   
• Understanding What They Read (Comprehension): Some students need help understanding what they read. Knowing more words, having background knowledge, and reading smoothly can make a big difference. To help readers, it's important to help by explaining tricky or new words before reading and sharing some information about a topic to help students make connections while they read.

 

How Gwinnett County Public Schools is Supporting Students

Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) uses a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) to meet all students' different learning needs. Here’s how it works:

• Tier 1: High-quality classroom instruction and universal screening for all students. Tier 1 includes evidence-based practices in all classrooms, including systematic, explicit, and cumulative instruction in whole-class and targeted small groups.
   
• Tier 2: Tier 2 offers targeted interventions for students who need additional support to meet grade-level standards. These interventions often focus on specific skills like decoding and word-level study, which have been shown to be effective in improving reading outcomes. Students are monitored regularly to track their progress.
   
• Tier 3: This tier is for students who require more intensive, individualized support. Interventions at this tier are more frequent and tailored to the student's unique needs, often in a small-group setting to address a wide range of reading challenges based on the student’s needs.
   

Students can move between these tiers based on how they are doing and needs they may have, and families are kept informed throughout the process.

 

What Parents Can Do to Support Their Student

Parents play a crucial role in supporting their child's reading development. Here are some practical tips:

1. Make Reading a Daily Habit: Pick a time each day for reading to help make it a regular part of your student’s day.
    
2. Read Aloud Together: Reading aloud to your student can improve their listening skills, vocabulary, and comprehension. Choose books that interest them and discuss the story as you read.
    
3. Play Phonics Games: Use games and activities that make learning sounds and letters fun. There are many online resources and apps designed for this purpose.
    
4. Build Their Vocabulary: Use new words in everyday conversations. Encourage your child to ask about words they don't know and explain their meanings.
    
5. Encourage Them to Read More Than Once: Have your child read the same book or article multiple times. This practice can improve their fluency and confidence.
    
6. Ask Questions: After reading, ask your student questions about the story. This helps your student think about what they read and understand it better.
    
7. Share Your Love for Reading: Let your student see you reading regularly. Take trips to the library to explore new books and participate in reading programs.
    
8. Use Technology: Using e-books, audiobooks, and reading apps can make reading exciting. Using technology gives students a different way to read and learn.
    
9. Set Reading Challenges: Make reading fun with challenges or little competitions. Connect reading to things your child enjoys.
    
10. Ask for Help: If you’re worried about your student’s reading, please work with your student’s teacher to explore additional support options. Early intervention is key. Celebrating progress, positive reinforcement, and a supportive environment help create a love of reading.
     

GCPS and Families: Supporting student readers together

Remember, reading is a journey that each child takes at their own pace. It's filled with small victories and big milestones. As families and educators, our role is to guide, support, and celebrate each step along the way. If you ever have concerns or need advice, GCPS is here to help. Together, let's nurture a lifelong love of reading in our children, opening doors to new adventures and endless possibilities.

 

Every Student, Every Story: Powering Futures through Literacy Gwinnett County Public Schools is actively working to increase awareness among families and staff about the importance of literacy, supporting opportunities to strengthen students' reading skills, and emphasizing the science of reading.