My daughter (7) is very shy at school, and is still behind in reading. The school year is almost over. Her peers seem much more prepared for next year already. How can I help her catch up over the summer?
Gail, Orlando, FL.
Hi Gail,
Those early years, from 4-7, are years full of development and change. It’s important to remember that these changes are very individual–and that’s okay! For some students, especially shy ones who don’t want to call attention to themselves, a whole-classroom approach might not be the best way to unlock reading skills. Often, students who are more hesitant about reading do better in small group environments, so they can be eased into reading, feel more free to make mistakes, and feel less different from their peers.
This summer, take the time to read with her every day and talk to her about what she’s reading so it can become a part of the day she looks forward to. If you’re already doing this, we have a wide range of reading classes available at VT where she can do everything from relearn the foundations of reading (and fill those learning gaps) to join our weekly story hours. If she needs extra reinforcement, 1-to-1 tutorials are a great option for shy students averse to making mistakes in classroom settings. With a combination of small group or one-on-one attention and a patient look at any learning gaps, you can absolutely help her not only catch up but excel in reading over the summer.
Sincerely,
VT
Resources We Love: Fun With Phonics is a great class for going over the basics of reading and phonetics, Weekly Story Hour lets your child enjoy a live story hour, making reading something she can look forward to, and our 1-on-1 tutoring is great for more focused reinforcement.