Why Reading Intervention Is Crucial for Struggling Readers

The Window of Opportunity

Kindergarten and first grade are the optimal grades for that  “window of opportunity” to prevent long-term reading problems. Without early intervention, the “reading gap” between struggling readers and their peers continues to widen over time. Children that are behind in third grade can make significant strides in reading, spelling, and writing with intensive intervention, however, it takes much longer to catch-up students that do not begin intensive intervention until after second grade. Waiting to intervene only creates larger gaps to fill between grade levels.  

Brain Development

Reading and spelling intervention in kindergarten through second grade is especially important because it gives the brain an opportunity to make the connections between what words look like and what words sound like. Brain images of children that struggle to learn to read and spell look markedly different after receiving intense and targeted instruction. Brain images show that neural activity can change in response to targeted instruction for almost all students with common learning disabilities.

Importance of Early Intervention

The ultimate goal of becoming a proficient reader is automaticity in word recognition. To do that the brain needs time to program the required “reading systems.” Waiting to get early intervention or not recognizing the intervention that your child is receiving is failing will only prolong your child learning the fundamental skills that are required to become a successful reader. If your child is receiving intervention and not making noticeable progress you must shift directions to an intervention where progress can be seen and measured. For students that are identified late for reading problems, the struggle becomes even greater due to increased anxiety and self-esteem issues that have developed and increased over time. 

Studies also show that 74 percent of children who display reading problems in the third grade will remain poor readers into adulthood unless they receive targeted instruction for the fundamental skills required for reading. Students need to have the ability to sound out new words and have another bank of words they can read automatically from kindergarten into first grade. The ability to create a connection between letters and their sounds affects spelling and writing more than reading.  Students that are weak in these skills in kindergarten and first grade often fall further behind as they progress in second and third grades.  

If students can memorize words but continue to have poor reading comprehension, this may be a by-product of various reading issues. Students must read with accuracy and at a pace to visualize the meaning of the text. Reading difficulties exist on a continuum from having a minor problem to a very severe problem. Many students are able to acquire the skills necessary to become successful readers with the help of a qualified reading teacher or reading tutor who can identify the root of the problem. 

Social Development

Studies show where at-risk students for reading difficulties receive early intervention the greater majority do not fall behind their peers and they experience fewer emotional struggles. We know students become well aware if they are not pacing with their grade level and issues of low self-esteem and anxiety begin to take place when students do not feel successful. 

What Can I Do Now?

At The Study Hub, we have experienced and trained tutors who are able to provide individualized instruction so students can gain the skills they need to be successful readers, spellers, and writers. We understand the importance of intervention at any stage of a student’s education journey and the impact it can have on students both academically and emotionally. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your child become successful as they navigate each grade with confidence.

Written by Dr. Barbara Bayless

Email mustang@studyhubtutoring.com

Phone (405) 255-4313

Questions

• What is the "window of opportunity" for preventing long-term reading problems?

  Kindergarten and first grade are the optimal grades for that "window of opportunity" to prevent long-term reading problems.

• Why is reading and spelling intervention in kindergarten through second grade so important?

  It gives the brain an opportunity to make the connections between what words look like and what words sound like. Brain images of children that struggle to learn to read and spell look markedly different after receiving intense and targeted instruction.

• What is the ultimate goal of becoming a proficient reader?

  The ultimate goal of becoming a proficient reader is automaticity in word recognition.

• What happens if a child does not receive early intervention for reading problems?

  Without early intervention, the "reading gap" between struggling readers and their peers continues to widen over time. Waiting to intervene only creates larger gaps to fill between grade levels.

• What are the emotional consequences of not receiving early intervention for reading difficulties?

  Issues of low self-esteem and anxiety begin to take place when students do not feel successful.

• How can The Study Hub help children who are struggling with reading, spelling, and writing?

  At The Study Hub, experienced and trained tutors provide individualized instruction so students can gain the skills they need to be successful readers, spellers, and writers.