Welcome to our Parent Forum, a space where parents can come together to share experiences, insights, and support around various aspects of literacy development. Here, you'll find discussions on everything from early signs of reading struggles to creating a reading-friendly environment at home. Whether you're looking for advice on choosing the right books or establishing a reading routine, this is a place for parents to connect, ask questions, and learn from one another. Together, we can build a community that empowers each of us to support our children's literacy journeys.

Early Signs of Reading Struggles

Reading is a critical skill that sets the foundation for your child’s academic success, but not all children develop these skills at the same pace. Early signs of reading struggles may be subtle, and recognizing them early can help you get the right support in place before difficulties become more significant. So, how do you know if your child is having trouble with reading? Let’s look at some of the early signs to watch out for.

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Supporting Reading at Home: Tips and Strategies

As a parent, you play a crucial role in supporting your child’s reading development—whether they’re just starting to read or facing challenges along the way. By creating a supportive environment at home, you can help your child gain confidence, build skills, and develop a love for reading. Ready to make a positive impact on your child's literacy journey? Let’s dive into some practical tips and strategies to help you support reading at home!

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How to Choose the Right Books for Struggling Readers

Choosing the right book for a struggling reader can be a game-changer. The right book can ignite a love for reading, boost confidence, and improve skills, while the wrong one can lead to frustration. But how do you find that perfect fit? It’s all about understanding your child's needs, interests, and abilities. Let’s explore a few tips to help you choose books that will keep your child engaged, motivated, and excited to read.

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Building a Literacy-Rich Environment at Home

The foundation of strong literacy skills starts at home, where everyday interactions can make a world of difference in your child's reading and writing development. By creating a literacy-rich environment, you’re not only supporting their learning but also fostering a love of language that lasts a lifetime. Whether it’s through books, conversations, or even everyday activities, small changes at home can have a big impact. Let’s explore some SIMPLE ways to create an environment that encourages reading, writing, and learning

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My Child Has a Learning Disability: Where Do We Start?

Discovering that your child has a learning disability can feel overwhelming, but it’s the first step toward giving them the support they truly need. Understanding where to begin can make all the difference in creating a path toward success. Whether it’s navigating educational options, finding the right resources, or simply figuring out how to support your child at home, you're not alone on this journey. Let’s break it down and explore where to start, so your child can thrive!

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Celebrating Small Wins: Positive Reinforcement in Reading

Reading is a journey, not a race—and every step forward deserves to be celebrated! When it comes to helping our children succeed in reading, recognizing and celebrating small wins can be the key to building their confidence and motivation. Whether it’s finishing a chapter or simply trying a new word, positive reinforcement can make all the difference. Ready to turn your child’s reading milestones into moments of celebration? Let’s explore how to make every success count!

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Creating a Reading Routine at Home

Every child benefits from a little structure, and when it comes to reading, a consistent routine can make all the difference. Imagine a home where reading isn’t a chore but a cherished part of the day—something to look forward to. Whether it's 10 minutes before bed or a cozy afternoon reading session, setting up a reading routine can help your child develop a lifelong love for books. Ready to make reading a regular part of your family's day? Let's dive into some easy ways to get started!

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References:

American Academy of Pediatrics. (2014). Literacy promotion: An essential component of primary care pediatric practice. Pediatrics, 134(2), e404–e419. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2014-1384

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). (n.d.). Phonological awareness: What parents should know. Retrieved from https://www.asha.org

Baum, S. (2013). Positive reinforcement and children’s learning: Practical tips for success. Parent Child Press.

International Dyslexia Association. (n.d.). Dyslexia basics: Early warning signs of dyslexia. Retrieved from https://dyslexiaida.org

International Literacy Association. (2017). Choosing books for struggling readers. Literacy Today. Retrieved from https://literacyworldwide.org

National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD). (n.d.). Learning disabilities: Understanding the basics. National Center for Learning Disabilities. Retrieved from https://www.ncld.org

National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD). (n.d.). Motivating children with learning disabilities. National Center for Learning Disabilities. Retrieved from https://www.ncld.org

National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD). (n.d.). Supporting your child’s reading development. Retrieved from https://www.ncld.org

National Institute for Literacy. (2008). Developing early literacy: Report of the National Early Literacy Panel. National Institute for Literacy. Retrieved from https://lincs.ed.gov

National Institute for Literacy. (2008). Helping your child become a reader. Retrieved from https://www.nifl.gov

National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD). (2000). Report of the National Reading Panel: Teaching children to read. Retrieved from https://www.nichd.nih.gov

National Reading Panel. (2000). Teaching children to read: An evidence-based assessment of the scientific research literature on reading and its implications for reading instruction. Retrieved from https://www.nichd.nih.gov

Reading Rockets. (n.d.). Building reading skills: Tips for parents. Reading Rockets. Retrieved from https://www.readingrockets.org

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Understood.org. (n.d.). How to create a reading routine for children with learning disabilities. Retrieved from https://www.understood.org

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University of Michigan. (n.d.). Dyslexia and learning disabilities: Tips for parents. Dyslexia Help at the University of Michigan. Retrieved from https://dyslexiahelp.umich.edu

Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity. (n.d.). Books and reading resources for struggling readers. Retrieved from https://dyslexia.yale.edu

Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity. (n.d.). Helping struggling readers at home. Retrieved from https://dyslexia.yale.edu

Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity. (n.d.). Resources for parents of children with learning disabilities. Retrieved from https://dyslexia.yale.edu

Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity. (n.d.). Understanding dyslexia and the science of reading. Retrieved from https://dyslexia.yale.edu