For Parents

You're not alone in this journey

If you're here, you might be worried about your child's reading. Maybe they're working harder than their peers but making slower progress. Maybe they avoid reading or say they "hate books." Maybe you've heard the word dyslexia and you're trying to figure out what it means for your family.

First, take a breath. You're doing the right thing by seeking help and information. Your child can learn to read. With the right support, appropriate materials, and patience, dyslexic children become successful readers.

What Would Help You Most?

Understanding Dyslexia

Recognizing the signs and what to do

Finding Reading Level

How to determine Lexile level

Reading Tips

Practical advice for daily reading

Recognizing the Signs

Common Signs in Early Readers

  • Difficulty learning letter names and sounds
  • Trouble rhyming words
  • Slow to start reading compared to peers
  • Avoids books or reading activities
  • Struggles to connect letters to sounds
  • Difficulty blending sounds to make words

Common Signs in Older Readers

  • Reading level significantly below grade level
  • Very slow reading, even with familiar texts
  • Avoids reading aloud
  • Strong verbal skills but weak reading skills
  • Good comprehension when read to, poor when reading independently
  • Says reading is tiring or frustrating

What to Do If You See These Signs

  1. Trust your instincts - You know your child. If you're concerned, act on it.
  2. Talk to your child's teacher - Share what you're observing at home.
  3. Request an evaluation - You can request educational testing through your school.
  4. Don't wait - Early intervention makes a significant difference.
  5. Start using Every Reader books now - Give your child books they can succeed with today.

How to Determine Your Child's Lexile Level

Through School Assessment

The easiest way is through school testing. Ask the teacher: "What is [child's name]'s current Lexile level?"

Common assessments that provide Lexile scores:

  • Scholastic Reading Inventory (SRI)
  • MAP Reading Fluency
  • STAR Reading Assessment
  • State standardized tests

Estimate Based on Grade Level

Kindergarten/early 1st Try 200L
Mid-1st grade Try 250L
Late 1st/early 2nd Try 300L
Mid-2nd grade and up Try 350L or assess further

Important: These are rough starting points. Struggling readers will often be significantly below these grade-level estimates.

Observe Your Child Reading

Good match if:

  • Reading with 90% accuracy or better
  • Understands and can retell the story
  • Seems engaged and finishes the book
  • Shows appropriate effort without frustration

When in doubt, start lower. Success builds confidence, and confidence builds readers.

Reading Tips for Parents

Creating the Right Environment

Make it Routine, Not a Battle

  • Set a regular reading time (bedtime, after school, etc.)
  • Keep it consistent but flexible
  • 15-20 minutes daily beats an hour once a week

Create a Comfortable Space

  • Good lighting (overhead plus task lighting)
  • Comfortable seating
  • Minimal distractions (TV off, quiet)
  • Keep favorite books within reach

During Reading

  • Be available, not hovering - Sit nearby but don't interrupt to correct every mistake
  • Help strategically - If they're stuck on a word for more than 5 seconds, just tell them
  • Check comprehension naturally - "What do you think will happen next?" feels like conversation, not quizzing
  • Let them stop at a good place - End of a chapter or natural pause

What NOT to Do

  • ❌ Don't make every reading session a teaching moment
  • ❌ Don't compare to siblings or peers
  • ❌ Don't show frustration (they'll feel it and internalize it as failure)
  • ❌ Don't force books they don't like (engagement trumps everything)
  • ❌ Don't skip ahead to "harder" books too fast

The Emotional Side of Reading Struggles

Reading challenges affect more than academics—they affect your child's self-esteem.

What Your Child Might Be Feeling

  • Frustration: "Why is this so hard for me?"
  • Shame: "Everyone else can read better than me"
  • Anxiety: "What if I have to read out loud?"
  • Defeatism: "I'm just not good at reading"

What You Can Do

  • Separate reading skill from intelligence
  • Praise effort, not ability
  • Normalize struggle
  • Share your own challenges
  • Focus on their strengths

You're Doing Great

If you've read this far, you're clearly a dedicated parent who cares deeply about your child's reading success.

Remember:

  • Your child's reading challenges don't define them
  • Progress happens at different paces
  • Small, consistent effort adds up
  • Celebrating wins matters
  • You're not doing this alone

You've got this. And we're here to help.

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