Introduction
Many parents expect reading struggles to be obvious—like their child not being able to read at all or failing reading tests. However, some signs of reading difficulties are subtle and easy to overlook. Children who struggle with reading may develop coping strategies that mask their difficulties, making it challenging for parents and teachers to recognize the problem early. Bright kids can often cover up their reading struggles very well in the early years. Yet, swift identification is key to helping children before frustration and self-doubt take over.
In this post, we’ll explore some hidden signs that may indicate a child is struggling with reading and what parents can do to support them.
Why Reading Struggles Aren’t Always Obvious
Some children compensate well by memorizing words or guessing based on context rather than truly decoding. Others may be able to keep up in early elementary grades but struggle as reading demands increase. Schools may overlook struggling readers if they are well-behaved, verbally strong, or excelling in other subjects. Reading challenges can present differently at different developmental stages, so it’s important for parents to be aware of subtle warning signs.
10 Hidden Signs of Reading Struggles
1. Avoiding Reading Whenever Possible
Does your child love being read to but resist reading to you or themselves? This is a common sign of a reading difficulty. They might suddenly need a snack, ask to use the bathroom, or find any excuse to avoid reading when it's their turn.
2. Guessing at Words
Instead of sounding out unfamiliar words, they rely on pictures or context clues to figure them out. They might say "house" instead of "horse" because the words look alike or they might read the word "pony" as "horse" because they have a similar meaning. Any kind of guessing is a big red flag!
3. Trouble Remembering Common Sight Words
Words like "the," "what," or "because" remain difficult despite repeated exposure. These kids often miss the simple function words but get the larger words correct, making it seem like they’re reading more fluently than they actually are.
4. Frequent Reading Fatigue
Your child may complain of being tired after reading for just a short time or lose focus quickly. Even if their vision is fine, reading might make their eyes and head hurt because it takes them so much effort to decode words.
5. Slow or Choppy Reading
They read at a much slower pace than peers and lack fluency, often pausing or stumbling over words. They might end up guessing at the end of assignments or tests just to finish at the same time as their classmates.
6. Difficulty with Spelling
Struggles with spelling simple words, often spelling them phonetically (e.g., "frend" for "friend"). They might spell the same word differently within the same assignment, showing that they don’t have a strong grasp of word structure.
7. Struggles to Follow Written Directions
They may need verbal reinforcement to complete assignments or misunderstand instructions altogether. Word problems in math are an extra challenge, as they have trouble decoding the text before they can even attempt to solve the problem.
8. Avoids Reading Aloud
Your child may become anxious or embarrassed when asked to read in front of others. They might say they lost their place, suddenly ask to go to the bathroom, or complain about not feeling well to get out of it.
9. Poor Comprehension Despite Strong Listening Skills
They understand stories when read aloud but struggle with comprehension when reading independently. They may be able to answer questions when you read a story to them but have a hard time remembering or retelling a story they read themselves.
10. Frequent Reversals or Letter Confusion
Continues to confuse letters like "b" and "d" or words like "was" and "saw" beyond the early grades. While some letter reversals are typical in younger children, persistent confusion may indicate an underlying reading difficulty like dyslexia.
What Parents Can Do Next
Trust Your Instincts
If something feels off, investigate further. Parents know their children best and should advocate for them. Some kids have a reading difficulty that is not severe enough to get on the radar of their teacher or school, but it is still a reading problem. Keep in mind that your child's teacher has many students in the class, while you are the one reading one-on-one with your child regularly. You might be noticing things that your teacher doesn't have the opportunity to see.
Talk to the Teacher
Ask about patterns they see in the classroom and whether your child is showing any of these warning signs. Teachers can provide insight into whether reading struggles are consistent across different settings. Check out our blog post for more tips on how to talk to your child’s teacher.
Consider an Evaluation
A professional assessment can identify underlying issues such as dyslexia or other learning difficulties. This provides an expert, outside opinion on your child’s reading skills. A reading evaluation can give you peace of mind and help determine whether your child has a reading difficulty or even a learning disability.
Support at Home
Read together regularly and model fluent reading.
Encourage audiobooks to help build comprehension skills.
Use structured, phonics-based intervention strategies at home.
Keep reading fun and engaging!
Check out our blog post about Creative Reading Hacks Every Parent Needs to Know
Seek Expert Help
At Read Write Learning Center, we specialize in helping children with reading challenges through research-based interventions tailored to their unique needs. Our one-on-one academic language therapy is designed specifically for children with dyslexia and other learning differences, helping them build the confidence and skills they need to succeed.
Conclusion
Even if a child seems to be "getting by," hidden difficulties can have a lasting impact on their confidence and academic success. By recognizing the signs and taking proactive steps, parents can empower their children to become stronger, more confident readers.
If you suspect your child is struggling with reading, don’t wait—reach out for expert support today! Early intervention makes all the difference.
