Reading is an important life skill and learning it boosts the literacy levels of children. However, not all students learn at the same pace. In a class, there will always be a portion of struggling learners who fall behind due to lack of comprehension.Statistics show that 34% of students in the fourth grade are below basic reading level while 31% are below the proficient reading level. Therefore, teachers and tutors have to find ways to teach these students with learning difficulties. Here are some tips to use.

• Encourage Students to Read Aloud

Reading aloud in a classroom with other kids can be a stressful experience for struggling learners. If a student has poor reading skills, they might also struggle with spelling. One of the most common issues that affect fluency in reading is dyslexia. In fact,one in five students, which is 15-20% of the population, has a language learning disability commonly caused by dyslexia. If this is the case, encourage the student to read aloud independently and record themselves so you can analyze their reading later. This helps you identify where the issues are and know how to resolve them.

• Have Them Read the Same Text Severally

To improve fluency, have the student read the same text several times. Each time they read, their fluency will improve. This encourages and motivates them to keep reading. The repeated exposure to phrases and words also helps boost comprehension skills because the reader has more chances to understand the different meanings of words. This boosts their confidence and they can eventually read in front of the whole class.

• Use Different Resources

When helping a student who hasn’t mastered reading, try using a variety of books and materials. Introduce poems, comic books, or picture books to stimulate their brain. Experiment with longer text and storybooks to see how well the student understands what they are reading. You can also enroll them in reading programs for kids designed to enhance their learning experience. These programs help boost kids' pronunciation, comprehension, fluency, vocabulary, and writing skills.

• Create a Stress-Free Environment

Literacy is critical in a child's development, however, the number of proficient readers is quite low. Statistics show only 25% of students in California school systems have basic reading skills. To help alleviate this problem, teachers and tutors should create a stress-free environment to reduce students’ anxiety. For instance, they can give longer deadlines for assignments. Students will be less stressed and have enough time to improve their reading.

• Teach Them How to Type

Teachers can also introduce a typing course to enhance students’ literacy skills. Learners can practice at home and in school to strengthen sight-reading and spelling. Some typing courses provide automated feedback, allowing students to learn independently. In the long run, they boost students' confidence and encourage them to keep reading.

Although reading is an essential skill, it doesn’t come naturally to all kids. Some students will need a strategy to boost their reading skills. Teachers and tutors can use these methods to motivate struggling learners.