Children who say, “I don’t like to read,” are usually saying, “Reading is hard for me.” Knowing that their peers can read with ease is often distressing to them. They may try to hide their difficulty by only wanting to read books they have memorized.

In my many years as a classroom teacher and reading specialist, I have helped hundreds of young students quickly become stronger readers.

I introduce phonetic spelling patterns and sight words gradually and systematically, and I continually review in order to build confidence and a love for reading. Following each session, I provide students with stories that contain the sounds and words they have just learned. They read them to their parents with pride.

With extra support, students see themselves in a new light. They participate more fully across the curriculum. Written directions are easier to follow. Math problems are easier for them to solve, and knowledge about the world is much easier for them to acquire on their own.