(Written by Patrick Song) Children who feel like they aren’t keeping up with their peers tend to say they hate reading, when really they’re just upset or nervous about having to read in front of others. The good news is that you can tutor your reader at home, helping him to better understand his words while engaging him in interesting activities that will make him feel more confident in his abilities.

Tutoring Strategies: Reading in Elementary School

Tutoring readers can be a difficult task, and each child is different. Therefore, a variety of methods must be used when helping a struggling readers. Starting at a different level, incorporating multiple materials and catering to a child’s interests can help encourage a reader, strengthening their abilities and making them more confident and more interested in learning to read. Here are 5 tips for tutoring children who are having trouble reading in Elementary School.

• Start Easy, Work Up

Never to start above the child’s current reading level, as this often causes additional frustration and anger for the child, resulting in loss of interest or even aggression towards reading. Instead, work one or two levels below the current reading level, as success in reading can help encourage the child to pursue more difficult reading. Simpler reading materials, along with positive feedback, can help motivate and instill confidence in a reader. [Read more...]