I hate the gym. I hate working out. I have to work out for my health.
Reading is exactly the same thing for most kids.
I struggle to make a consistent gym schedule. I struggle with boring easy exercises that build strength. I struggle with exercises that are so hard I get frustrated. I compare myself to celebrity coaches and basically anyone with the ideal body.
Here is how my 3 major issues with the gym are 3 major issues for kids that struggle with reading.
1-Consistent reading schedules are hard to stick to when reading is a problem. Do you really want to read everyday if it’s hard? If it takes so long? Skip a day and one day becomes one week. Consistency builds proficiency in reading and working out.
2. Reading exercises that are mastery based like tutoring are easy for kids and are supposed to be. Kids don’t want to read the same word list or practice the same sight words. Kids also burn out when the reading is always at a challenging level. The balance between easy exercises and hard exercises is true growth.
3. Kids compare themselves to other readers. It starts off innocently. Kids want to read the latest book their friend is reading. The problem is when that book is a struggle. Then kids notice who gets pulled out, who is in their group, and the comparison trap starts to build.
There is no magic work out, no recipe, no magic diet pill. This analogy for the gym and the major issues our kids face can be helped with a growth mindset. Celebrate small victories, big victories, and help your kid build the best person they can be.
Message me for more tips to help struggling readers.
Melissa Saliva is a Reading Consultant and founder of Beacon Valley Literacy Services. She helps parents help kids with dyslexia.