I had a virtual conference with my mentor and we were discussing supporting students. She always leaves me with a piece of simple advice that is profound. We discussed all the programs out there. I am about to face 3 major trainings. There is so much expert advice. Programs written by experts. Studies on how to support struggling readers. That it can be mind numbing.
Where do you even begin helping kids as a parent and professional?
First and foremost she said “Listen to your kid.” Kids have a preference. Kids have a learning style and often time kids that struggle will know what works or doesn’t work for them.
Kids will communicate with their behavior. The way they respond in certain environments, and their words. We were specifically talking about our older students who hate content area classes. They hate memorizing definitions to understand science and history. When your kid says I hate that class read between the lines. They are saying this is hard for me.
This conversation made me think back to teaching elementary school. I can think of several instances when kids in my class acted out to avoid reading or writing assignments. They were telling me with their actions that this is hard for me and I am uncomfortable. Getting to the bottom of how your kid learns, what they need help with and success begins with listening to them. Listen to what they are saying and what they are not saying.
This advice is so simple but often overlooked. Make sure you know how your kid feels about reading at home, in school and how they act in the classroom.
Melissa Saliva is a Reading Consultant and founder of Beacon Valley Literacy Services. She helps parents help kids with dyslexia.