Important Steps to Teaching Reading - For Students with Reading Difficulties

When a struggling reader believes they cannot read, reading becomes a chore. A positive attitude toward reading will lead to better outcomes. Read to the struggling reader often, talk about the stories read and ask questions like: Why do you think _____ happened? What character is most like you? Why? Ask the child to re-tell the story using his/her own words. Make reading time a fun time. Have this particular child predict different selections of the book by looking at the pictures. Select books that are completely within their interest ranges. If they like animals - select animal books (at an emergent level) etc. Never hesitate to let this child point to each word as it is being said. Another strategy that many struggling readers enjoy is making their own predictable/pattern books to read. For instance: I have a new _____ but an old ______. The child pastes pictures of items he/she has that are new and items that he/she has that are old. This book should have at least 8 pages. Ideas for home made books could be: It was good luck that I __________, but it was bad luck that I___________.
A house is a home for _________(people). A nest is a home for _________. The ocean is a home for _______. etc.

Praise the child each step of the way! Notice the child each time an attempt is made to read print in the environment around him/her.