We consult with many parents each day, and one of the most common questions we hear is: “How do I know if my child needs a reading tutor?” Sometimes the signs are very clear, and other times they’re subtle. Understanding what to look for can help you determine whether additional reading support may benefit your child.
Below are key indicators—academic, behavioral, and school-related—that may signal it’s time to seek help.
Reading Observations
- Struggles with foundational reading skills:
Your child has difficulty sounding out words, recognizing sight words, or understanding basic letter–sound relationships. - Poor spelling:
They frequently misspell common words or rely on phonetic spelling (writing words exactly as they sound). - Slow reading pace:
Reading feels laborious, and your child takes significantly longer than peers to complete grade-level text. - Comprehension challenges:
They have trouble retelling stories, identifying the main idea, or understanding what they’ve just read. - Reliance on non-reading strategies:
Your child often guesses words based on pictures or context, instead of decoding the word. - Difficulty copying:
They struggle to copy text correctly from books, whiteboards, or screens.
Behavioral and Emotional Signs
- Avoidance of reading: Your child resists reading or writing tasks or becomes overwhelmed when asked to read.
- Low confidence: They express statements like “I’m not good at reading” or withdraw from school-related tasks.
- Frustration or anxiety: Reading or homework time may lead to stress, frustration, or emotional outbursts.
- Disinterest in school: You notice a shift in their attitude toward school or a decrease in enthusiasm for learning.
- Disorganization: Assignments are incomplete, misplaced, or messy, which may be tied to literacy struggles.
Other Key Factors
Teacher recommendations:
Your child’s teacher expresses concerns or suggests that additional reading support could help.
Declining grades:
Grades remain consistently low, or report cards show a downward trend in reading or language arts.
Difficulty keeping up:
Your child is falling behind peers in reading fluency, comprehension, or writing skills.
If your child is showing any of these signs, early intervention can make a meaningful difference.
Contact Team Tutor today to discuss your child’s reading needs in depth. Call us at 215-657-1981.