Choosing the right reading program for your child
Many children need extra support in reading during the early years of elementary school. Yet, the sheer abundance of available resources for parents to look through can feel overwhelming. Below I’ve provided guidance on initial steps to finding the correct reading program for your child within your community.
Disclaimer
This blog is for informational purposes only and may not suit your individual needs. I do not endorse any specific programs mentioned. My aim is to help you make informed decisions when choosing potential reading support.
Identifying Your Child's Needs & Local Resources
Before diving into specific reading programs, it is important to determine your child's individual needs. It is essential consider factors such as their current reading level and any other specific challenges they may face such attention difficulties or a lack of engagement. Speaking with your child's teacher, or the special education teacher, at their school can provide insights into your child's current progress and areas that may require additional support.
Start by checking with your child's school to see what resources they can provide or recommend. This not only helps you understand the available supports at their school but also any potential resources in the community they can recommend. It can also signal to the school that you are actively seeking assistance and are motivated for your child's learning needs. Many schools offer reading interventions and assessments, so it's important to inquire about these services.
Another valuable resource can be any local not-for-profit organizations. These organizations can offer guidance and support for your child’s reading needs. For example, here in Ottawa, the Learning Disabilities Association of Ottawa provides excellent remedial reading programs and resources.
The Role of Evidence-Based Approaches
When evaluating reading programs in your area, it is essential to prioritize those that are grounded in evidence-based approaches. These programs and methods have undergone research to demonstrate their effectiveness. Look for programs that have been reviewed and endorsed by reputable educational institutions or have a strong research base supporting their methodology. A robust reading program often integrates key elements from phonics-based, balanced literacy, and multi-sensory approaches to address the diverse needs of learners. There are many websites that offer a good overview of reading support literature and resources such as with the Reading Rockets Organization.
Phonics-Based Programs: Phonics-based programs emphasize the relationship between letters and sounds, providing a solid foundation for reading. Research consistently supports the effectiveness of phonics instruction, especially for early readers. Examples of programs that use phonics-based teaching is Orton-Gillingham and the Wilson Reading System.
Balanced Literacy Approach: A balanced literacy approach combines elements of phonics instruction, comprehension strategies, and exposure to a wide range of literature. This approach acknowledges that reading is a multifaceted skill and incorporates various instructional methods tailored to the needs of individual learners. Examples of programs with this approach are Reading Recovery and Fountas & Pinnell's Leveled Literacy Intervention.
Multi-Sensory Programs: For children who struggle with reading due to learning differences such as dyslexia, multi-sensory programs can be particularly effective. These programs engage multiple senses simultaneously, facilitating the integration of visual, auditory, and kinesthetic modalities. Examples of multi-sensory programs include Orton-Gillingham, Wilson Reading System and Lindamood-Bell.
Technology-Based Programs: In today's digital age, technology-based reading programs can provide engaging and interactive learning experiences. These programs often incorporate gamification, adaptive features, and personalized learning pathways. Some examples of technology-based programs include Lexia Core5, ReadTheory and Reading Eggs.
Key Take Aways
It is important to note that my intention is not to endorse any particular program mentioned above. Instead, my aim is to equip you with relevant information that will enable you to make informed inquiries with local tutoring services and resources.
It is important to consider that although searching for extra support can be frustrating and confusing, you are not alone and many other parents are going through the same experience. Don't hesitate to reach out to other parents who have successfully navigated the available resources in your area and see what has worked for them.
References
Hall, C., Dahl-Leonard, K., Cho, E., Solari, E. J., Capin, P., Conner, C. L., Henry, A. R., Cook, L., Hayes, L., Vargas, I., Richmond, C. L., & Kehoe, K. F. (2022). Forty years of reading intervention research for elementary students with or at risk for dyslexia: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Reading Research Quarterly.
Schmidt, C., Brandenburg, J., Busch, J., Büttner, G., Grube, D., Mähler, C., & Hasselhorn, M. (2020). Developmental trajectories of phonological information processing in upper elementary students with reading or spelling disabilities. Reading Research Quarterly.
Snowling, M. J., Hulme, C., & Nation, K. (2020). Defining and understanding dyslexia: past, present and future. Oxford Review of Education, 46(4), 501–513.
