How to Tell If My Child Needs Help Reading?

As a parent, it’s natural to wonder whether your child is on track with their reading. Maybe you’ve noticed them getting frustrated during homework or perhaps their teacher has mentioned they’re falling behind. Whatever the reason, recognising the signs early can make all the difference and the good news is, support is available.

Here are some common signs that your child might benefit from a little extra help with reading:

They Avoid Reading at Home

If your child regularly tries to get out of reading time or shows little interest in books, it could be more than just boredom. Often, children who find reading difficult start to avoid it altogether because it feels too hard or makes them feel "not good enough."

They Read Slowly or Hesitantly

Struggling readers often sound out every word or pause frequently. This can affect their fluency, making it difficult to enjoy reading or follow the story. It’s also a key sign that they may be finding decoding and blending letter sounds challenging.

They Can’t Remember What They’ve Read

Some children can read the words on the page but struggle to understand or remember what they’ve read. If your child finds it difficult to retell a story or answer simple questions about it, they may need support developing comprehension skills alongside fluency.

Spelling and Phonics Are a Challenge

If your child regularly spells words exactly how they sound (“sed” instead of “said”, for example), they may not yet have a strong grasp of phonics or common exception words. This often goes together with reading difficulties and can impact their confidence in writing too.

They’re Falling Behind at School

Teachers are usually quick to flag if a child isn’t meeting age-related expectations in reading. If you’ve seen comments on reports like “working towards the expected standard” or “needs support with decoding,” it might be time to explore extra help.

Low Confidence or Anxiety Around Reading

Confidence is key. Children who struggle with reading often begin to believe they’re "not good at it" and that mindset can be hard to shift without the right support. You might notice:

• Avoidance of reading aloud

• Negative self-talk (“I’m rubbish at this”)

• Frustration or upset during reading tasks

What Can You Do Next?

First, know that you’re not alone. Many children need a boost with reading at some point and with the right support, they can thrive.

Here’s how you can help:

👩‍🏫 1. Talk to Your Child’s Teacher

Your child’s teacher can give you a clear picture of how they’re doing in class and suggest strategies or interventions already in place. It’s also a great opportunity to work as a team and share what’s working (or not) at home.

📚 2. Make Reading Fun and Pressure-Free

One of the most powerful ways to support your child is by creating a positive reading experience at home. Here are some simple, creative ways to make reading enjoyable:

• Let them choose the books – Whether it’s a comic, a joke book or a favourite character story, choice builds enthusiasm.

• Use voices and expression – Bring characters to life with silly voices and dramatic pauses. It helps with engagement and understanding.

• Read to them regularly – This takes the pressure off your child, models fluent reading and builds vocabulary in a relaxed way.

• Take turns – Alternate sentences or pages to keep things light and interactive.

• Set up a cosy reading corner – A blanket, fairy lights and a pile of books can turn reading into a treat.

• Try audiobooks – These help children enjoy stories without the stress of reading every word and are great for long car journeys.

• Use real-life reading – Let them read recipes, shopping lists, signs, or instructions during everyday activities.

• Create your own books – Encourage your child to write and illustrate a simple story. Then read it together like a “real” book.

• Join the library – Libraries often run fun reading challenges and have a huge range of books to explore for free.

• Celebrate progress – Use stickers, charts or just lots of praise to show how far they’ve come - every small step counts.

🧑‍🏫 3. Consider a Tutor

Sometimes a child just needs that extra boost in a quieter, more focused environment. A tutor can:

• Tailor sessions to your child’s exact level and pace

• Help fill any phonics, decoding or comprehension gaps

• Build their confidence with positive, targeted praise

• Turn reading from a struggle into something they can succeed at

If you’re looking for that kind of support, Little Smiles, Big Success Tutoring offers 1:1 and small group tuition for primary-aged children. Sessions are calm, engaging and tailored to your child’s individual needs, whether they’re building early phonics skills, improving fluency or developing confidence with comprehension.