Empowering Parents and Caregivers with Strategies for Struggling Readers

One of the most powerful things you can do for a child who is learning or struggling to read, is to build a consistent routine around reading at home. And September is the perfect time to build new habits and establish routines! The truth is small, manageable strategies are often the most effective. This is because they’re easier to stick with therefore, creating more opportunities for success.

I know from my own experience with my kids that supporting a struggling reader can be exhausting. You want nothing more than to help, yet the very struggles they face can make the process overwhelming for you both. It’s easy to lose motivation when progress feels slow. But I want to remind you that you are not alone in this, and the effort you put in truly matters.

In this post, I really want to focus on realistic, everyday strategies for struggling readers that parents and caregivers can use at home. These aren’t complicated fixes, but rather practical steps you can actually manage. My hope is that they provide you with both tools and encouragement. In turn, helping you feel empowered instead of discouraged. And while these strategies are especially valuable for children who find reading difficult, they can definitely benefit all learners as they continue to build their literacy skills.

#1 Try to Understand Why They are Struggling

One of the most important first steps in supporting a child is to understand why they are struggling with reading. When you know the “why,” you can more effectively choose strategies for struggling readers that actually meet your child’s needs. Does your child find decoding words difficult? Are they struggling with comprehension? Needs support with fluency, or simply lacks motivation? 

If you’re unsure where to begin, reaching out to your child’s teacher can be a valuable starting point. I also offer a free consultation where we can chat about your child’s specific challenges. Depending on your child's needs, I can make recommendations for next steps. Whether that be tutoring, creating a custom plan or simply working to implement some of the strategies mentioned in this post. The goal is always to build confidence and support steady progress!

#2 The Power of Choice 

When it comes to building motivation, choice can make a huge difference. Allowing children to choose what they read gives them a sense of ownership and excitement. This works for all readers, but it is one of the most effective strategies for struggling readers who simply aren’t motivated to read. It doesn’t matter if they pick a graphic novel, a magazine, or even a book you might consider “too easy.” The goal is to get them engaged and turning pages. When kids feel like their preferences are respected, they are more likely to keep reading. This naturally means they are practicing more, and therefore building their confidence over time.

#3 The Value of Reading Aloud

No matter how old your child is, reading to them is one of the most valuable strategies for struggling readers. What this does is allow children to hear fluent reading modelled for them. Additionally, there is value in this shared experience as it strengthens your connection. And older children benefit just as much as younger ones! Listening to stories helps expand vocabulary, strengthen comprehension skills, and foster a deeper love for storytelling. Even just ten minutes a day of reading aloud can have lasting benefits, especially when it becomes a staple in your  family's routine.

#4 Screen Time Swaps That Work

These days screens are a part of daily life we are all trying to find balance with. I am sure this is no exception for your struggling reader. My suggestion is to try swapping out just one screen habit each day for a reading-focused alternative. For example, play an audiobook during a car ride, encourage your child to borrow a digital library book, or swap a few minutes of tablet time for some reading time. This doesn't mean eliminating screens altogether. It is all about normalizing books and stories as part of everyday life. Over time, these swaps help shift your child’s mindset, making reading a regular and enjoyable habit.

#5 Making Reading Part of Daily Life

Reading doesn’t always have to mean sitting down with a chapter book. Everyday life is full of opportunities to sneak in literacy practice. Have your child help read recipes while you cook, directions for a new game, or read signs while running errands. These real-world applications help kids see reading as practical and meaningful, not just a school task. Equally important is modeling the habit yourself. When children see you prioritize reading, they learn by example. Finding your own books and joining your child in a daily reading routine reinforces that reading isn’t just for homework. It will hopefully show your kids that reading is a lifelong skill and a source of enjoyment. These everyday habits are among the simplest strategies for struggling readers. The best part is they help build consistency without overwhelming your family schedule.

#6 Celebrate Small Wins

Progress in reading often happens slowly, and can be hard to notice. But celebrating even the smallest steps can go a long way! If your child finishes a book, masters a tricky word, or simply reads without resistance, take time to acknowledge it. This recognition boosts confidence and helps them feel proud of their efforts. For struggling readers, these small wins are essential markers of growth. Celebrating them not only motivates your child to keep trying but also reframes reading as a rewarding, positive experience.

#7 Build a Cozy Reading Space

This may sound silly but sometimes, creating a special spot just for reading can make the experience more inviting and enjoyable. A comfortable chair, good lighting, and a basket of favorite books can transform reading from a chore to something that feels like fun. For children with sensory sensitivities, adding blankets, soft lighting, or noise-reducing headphones can make the space extra calming and supportive. Establishing this kind of environment is a great strategy for struggling readers. Building a special reading space really promotes excitement and comfort around the act of picking up a book.

Consistent Strategies for Struggling Readers

Supporting a struggling reader doesn’t require grand gestures or complex plans. What makes the biggest difference is consistency. Ten minutes of focused reading each evening will have a far greater impact than a marathon session. Not only that bit it feels a lot less stressful. By keeping strategies for struggling readers simple and sustainable, you’ll create a routine that builds confidence, strengthens skills, and helps your child enjoy the process of learning to read.

Over time, these consistent efforts will make reading feel less like a battle and more natural. I hope this post has left you empowered to implement some of these ideas and strategies with your struggling readers. Remember if you are looking for some extra help or support I would love to help! I offer a free consultation where we can talk about, and assess your child’s reading struggles.Click here to book a session. I also offer tutoring which may be an ideal option for your child. Click here to have a look at all of my offerings.