It's not uncommon for middle schoolers to face challenges with reading. They might have trouble sounding out words, understanding what they read, or simply feeling motivated to pick up a book. This can make it tough to keep up with schoolwork and can even affect their self-esteem.
But don't worry, there's hope! Homeschooling offers a unique opportunity to provide your child with the individualized support and attention they need to overcome their reading challenges. With the right tools and strategies, you can help your child become a confident and capable reader.
In this blog, we'll explore:
Common challenges faced by middle school struggling readers.
Key features to look for in a homeschool reading program.
Recommended programs that can help your child succeed.
Homeschooling methods and techniques
Additional tips and strategies to support your child's reading development.
Whether your child has dyslexia, struggles with phonics, or simply needs a little extra help with comprehension, this blog will provide you with the information and resources you need to guide them on their reading journey.
First, let’s understand the challenges that middle school children face in reading.
Challenges Faced by Middle School Struggling Readers
Middle school can be a tough time for kids who struggle with reading. The books get harder, the assignments get longer, and the pressure to keep up with their classmates can feel overwhelming. Here are some of the common challenges that middle school struggling readers might face:
1. Decoding Challenges
The Challenge: Decoding is the ability to sound out words and figure out how to pronounce them. Struggling readers might have trouble with decoding, especially with longer or more complex words. This can make it slow and difficult for them to read, which can be frustrating and tiring.
How to Overcome: Focus on building strong phonics skills. Use a systematic phonics program that breaks down reading and spelling into manageable steps. Multi-sensory activities, like using letter tiles or writing words in sand, can also be helpful.
2. Fluency Difficulties
The Challenge: Fluency is the ability to read smoothly and accurately. Struggling readers often read slowly and haltingly, which can make it hard for them to understand what they're reading. They might also have trouble with things like pronunciation, intonation (the rise and fall of their voice while reading), and expression.
How to Overcome: Practice reading fluency by having your child read aloud regularly. Encourage them to reread familiar passages or books to build their speed and accuracy. You can also try choral reading (reading aloud together) or using audiobooks to help them hear how fluent reading sounds.
In fact, a study published in the Journal of Learning Disabilities synthesis found that repeated reading, multicomponent interventions, and assisted reading with audiobooks produced gains in reading fluency and comprehension for students with learning disabilities in grades K-3.
3. Limited Vocabulary
The Challenge: Vocabulary is the number of words a person knows and understands. Struggling readers often have a limited vocabulary, which can make it difficult for them to understand texts that contain unfamiliar words. This can be especially challenging in subjects like science and social studies, which often use specialized vocabulary.
How to Overcome: Make vocabulary development a priority. Encourage your child to read a variety of books and expose them to new words in different contexts. Use vocabulary games, flashcards, and word webs to make learning new words fun and engaging.
4. Comprehension Problems
The Challenge: Comprehension is the ability to understand what you read. Struggling readers might be able to decode words and read fluently, but they still might have trouble understanding the meaning of the text. This can make it difficult to keep up with schoolwork and learn new information.
How to Overcome: Teach your child specific reading comprehension strategies, such as summarizing, making predictions, and asking questions about the text. Graphic organizers and visual aids can also help them organize information and improve their understanding.
5. Lack of Confidence and Motivation
The Challenge: Struggling readers often feel embarrassed or discouraged about their reading difficulties. This can lead to a lack of confidence and motivation, which can make it even harder for them to improve their reading skills. They might avoid reading altogether, which can further hinder their progress.
How to Overcome: Create a positive and supportive learning environment. Focus on your child's strengths and celebrate their progress, no matter how small. Choose engaging reading materials that interest them and make reading a fun and enjoyable experience.
This video provides instructional practices tailored to helping middle school students who are struggling with reading. It is informative for implementing strategies to support readers in a homeschool program.
Now that we've explored some of the challenges faced by struggling readers, let's take a look at what makes a homeschool reading program effective.
Key Features of Effective Homeschool Reading Programs for Struggling Readers
Finding the right reading program for a struggling reader can make all the difference in their homeschooling journey. It's important to choose a program that not only teaches the fundamentals of reading but also addresses the specific challenges that struggling readers face. Here are some key features to look for:
1. Systematic and Explicit Phonics Instruction
Breaking It Down: Phonics is all about the relationship between letters and sounds. A good program will teach phonics in a structured way, starting with the basics and gradually building to more complex skills. This helps students master the building blocks of reading and spelling.
Multi-sensory Learning: Some students learn best by using multiple senses. Look for programs that incorporate visual aids (like pictures and color-coding), auditory activities (like listening to sounds and repeating words), and kinesthetic activities (like writing letters in the air or using manipulatives).
2. Focus on Phonemic Awareness
Hearing the Sounds: Phonemic awareness means being able to hear the different sounds inside words. This is really important for learning to read and spell. This is a crucial skill for reading and spelling. A good program will include activities that help students develop phonemic awareness, such as rhyming, blending sounds together to make words, and breaking words apart into individual sounds.
Building a Strong Foundation: Strong phonemic awareness skills make it easier for students to decode words, spell correctly, and understand what they read.
3. Vocabulary Development
Words are Important! The more words your child knows, the easier it will be for them to understand what they read. A good reading program will include strategies for building vocabulary, such as using context clues (figuring out the meaning of a word based on the words around it), learning about word roots and prefixes, and playing vocabulary games.
Expanding Understanding: A strong vocabulary not only improves reading comprehension but also helps students express themselves more clearly in writing and speaking.
4. Reading Fluency Practice
Smooth and Steady: Reading fluency means being able to read smoothly, accurately, and with expression. When students can read fluently, they can focus on understanding the meaning of the text instead of getting stuck on individual words.
A good program will include lots of opportunities for fluency practice, such as repeated reading (reading the same passage multiple times), choral reading (reading aloud together with a group), and timed readings.
Building Confidence: Developing fluency can also help students build confidence in their reading abilities.
5. Reading Comprehension Strategies
Understanding What You Read: Reading comprehension is the ultimate goal of reading! It's not just about being able to read the words; it's about understanding what they mean. A good program will teach students specific strategies for improving comprehension, such as summarizing what they've read, making predictions about what might happen next, and asking questions about the text.
Tools for Deeper Understanding: Some programs might also use graphic organizers (visual aids that help organize information) to help students understand and remember what they read.
Ready to discover some homeschool reading programs that can help your child succeed? Here are a few of our top recommendations
Recommended Homeschool Reading Programs for Middle School
Choosing the right homeschool reading program for your struggling middle schooler can make a world of difference. Let's dive into some top-notch options that can help your child build confidence and develop a love of reading:
1. The School House Anywhere (TSHA)
Many reading programs focus only on phonics and sounding out words, but reading is so much more than that! The School House Anywhere (TSHA) offers a unique approach to reading instruction that goes beyond the basics, helping your child fall in love with books and become a confident reader.
Key Features
The American Emergent Curriculum (AEC): Our unique curriculum is designed to be different from traditional programs that teach subjects separately. Instead of just learning about reading, math, science, and history on their own, the AEC shows how all these subjects connect and work together.
This helps children understand the big picture and see how knowledge builds upon itself. It also makes learning more interesting and engaging!
Literature-Rich Learning: We believe that stories have the power to transport children to different worlds, introduce them to new ideas, and help them understand themselves and others better. That's why the AEC uses lots of great books to teach different subjects.
These books might be classic tales, exciting adventures, fascinating biographies, or informative non-fiction like The Story of Bacteria, The Story of South America, The Story of Chile, etc. By reading a variety of books, children develop a love of reading and expand their knowledge in a fun and engaging way.
Hands-on Activities: We know that children learn best by doing things, not just by sitting and listening. That's why the AEC includes lots of hands-on activities, games, and projects that bring learning to life.
Children might build models, conduct experiments, create artwork, or put on plays to help them understand and remember what they're learning. These activities make learning more fun and interactive, and they help children connect with the material on a deeper level.
Focus on Comprehension: Reading isn't just about being able to sound out words; it's about understanding what those words mean. The AEC goes beyond simply teaching phonics and decoding skills. It also teaches children important strategies to help them understand what they read, make connections to their own lives, and think critically about the stories and information they encounter.
Individualized Learning: Every child is unique, and the AEC is designed to be flexible enough to meet each child's individual needs. You can adjust the pace of learning, focus on the topics that interest your child most, and even add your own activities and ideas to make the curriculum your own.
This personalized approach helps children learn more effectively and develops a love of learning that will last a lifetime.
Is The School House Anywhere right for your family?
If you're looking for a program that goes beyond basic phonics and helps your child develop a true love of reading, then TSHA might be just what you need. Our unique approach combines engaging literature, hands-on activities, and a focus on comprehension to create a dynamic and enriching learning experience.
If you want a curriculum that develops curiosity, encourages exploration, and helps your child see the connections between different subjects, then TSHA is definitely worth considering.
All About Reading is a popular homeschool reading program that's known for its thorough and effective approach. It's designed to help children of all ages learn to read, including those who are struggling or have learning differences like dyslexia. It uses a multi-sensory approach, which means it combines seeing, hearing, and doing to help children learn in a way that makes sense to them.
Key Features
Placement Tests: Before you even start the program, All About Reading has placement tests to help you figure out exactly where your child should begin. This ensures that they're not starting with material that's too easy or too difficult, which can be really important for struggling readers.
Explicit Instruction: All About Reading doesn't just throw a bunch of information at your child and hope they figure it out. It teaches reading skills in a very clear and direct way, with step-by-step instructions and lots of examples. This makes it easier for children to understand what they're learning and how to apply it.
Engaging Activities: Learning to read doesn't have to be boring! All About Reading includes lots of fun and engaging activities, like games, puzzles, and hands-on projects, to keep children motivated and excited about learning.
Variety of Reading Materials: All About Reading uses a variety of reading materials, including colorful storybooks, readers, and activity sheets. This helps keep children interested and exposes them to different types of texts.
Multi-Sensory Approach: All About Reading uses a multi-sensory approach, which means it combines different ways of learning. Children will see letters and words, hear them being read aloud, and even use their hands to manipulate letter tiles or write in sand.
This helps children learn in a way that makes sense to them. If your child has a hard time learning to read in the usual way, this method might be really helpful.
Is All About Reading right for your family?
If you're looking for a program that provides a solid foundation in phonics, uses a multi-sensory approach to learning, and offers clear and explicit instruction, then All About Reading might be a great fit.
The engaging activities can help keep your child motivated, and the program is designed to be easy for parents to use, even without a background in education. If this sounds like what you're searching for to help your struggling middle schooler become a confident reader, All About Reading is definitely worth exploring.
3. Reading Eggs
Reading Eggs is an online program that makes learning to read fun and engaging for young children. It's like a video game, but instead of fighting monsters or racing cars, your child will be exploring a colorful world filled with exciting reading challenges and interactive activities. Reading Eggs is designed to help children develop essential reading skills, from phonics and sight words to fluency and comprehension.
Key Features
Personalized Learning Paths: Every child learns at their own pace. Reading Eggs starts by giving your child a placement test to see what their reading level is. Then, it creates a personalized learning path just for them, with lessons and activities that match their specific needs. This helps ensure that they're not getting bored with lessons that are too easy or frustrated with lessons that are too hard.
Interactive Games and Activities: Reading Eggs uses fun games and activities to keep children motivated and engaged in their learning. They'll get to explore a colorful world, collect rewards, and earn virtual pets as they progress through the lessons. This makes learning to read feel like an exciting adventure!
Progress Tracking: Reading Eggs keeps track of your child's progress so you can see how they're doing and celebrate their achievements. You can also see which skills they've mastered and which ones they might need more practice with. This helps you provide the right support and encouragement along the way.
Choosing the right program is a great first step, but there are other strategies that can help your struggling reader thrive.
Homeschooling Methods and Techniques
Homeschooling offers incredible flexibility in how you teach your child. You can tailor your approach to their unique learning style and interests, creating a truly personalized education. Here are a few methods and techniques that can be particularly helpful for homeschooling:
1. Orton-Gillingham Method and its Multi-Sensory Approach
The Orton-Gillingham method is a special way of teaching reading and spelling that's been around for a long time. It's really helpful for kids who learn best by using multiple senses (seeing, hearing, touching, and doing) at the same time.
This method breaks down reading and spelling into smaller steps and uses lots of repetition and practice to help kids master each step. It often involves things like:
Visual Aids: Using flashcards, color-coded letters, and other visual tools to help children see the patterns in words.
Auditory Activities: Saying sounds out loud, repeating words, and listening to stories to help children connect sounds with letters.
Kinesthetic Activities: Writing letters in the air, using letter tiles to build words, or tracing letters in the sand to help children learn through movement and touch.
This multi-sensory approach can be really effective for children who struggle with traditional reading and spelling instruction. It helps them connect with the material in a way that makes sense to them and builds a strong foundation for literacy.
2. Parental Involvement in Structured Lessons
Homeschooling often involves a lot of direct involvement from parents. This can be a great way to create a strong bond with your child and tailor the learning experience to their specific needs. Structured lessons can provide a framework for learning and help children stay on track.
Here are some ways parents can be involved:
Planning and Preparing Lessons: Parents can choose curriculum materials, create lesson plans, and gather resources that align with their child's interests and learning style.
Teaching and Guiding Learning: Parents can directly teach lessons, explain concepts, and provide guidance and support as their child works through activities.
Providing Feedback and Encouragement: Parents can offer feedback on their child's work, celebrate their achievements, and encourage them to keep learning and growing.
Creating a Positive Learning Environment: Parents can create a supportive and encouraging learning environment at home where their child feels comfortable asking questions, making mistakes, and exploring new ideas.
Want to be an active part of your child's learning journey?
The School House Anywhere (TSHA) encourages parents to be actively involved in their child's education. Our curriculum provides the resources and support you need to become a confident and engaged homeschooling parent.
Here's how TSHA supports parental involvement:
Easy-to-follow Lessons: Our curriculum is designed to be easy to understand and implement, even if you don't have a teaching background.
How-to Videos: We provide helpful videos that show you how to teach different lessons and activities.
Printable Materials: We offer a variety of printable materials, such as worksheets and activity guides, to support your teaching.
Live Support From Educators: Our team of experienced educators is available to answer your questions and offer guidance.
A Vibrant Community: Connect with other homeschooling parents in our online community to share ideas, find support, and build relationships.
With TSHA, you can create a homeschooling experience that's both enriching and enjoyable for you and your child. Sign up today!
3. Specialized Learning Approaches for Right-Brain Learners
Some children are "right-brain learners," which means they tend to be more creative, intuitive, and visual in their learning style. Traditional teaching methods, which often focus on logic and linear thinking, might not be the best fit for these learners. Homeschooling allows you to explore specialized learning approaches that cater to right-brain learners, such as:
Visual Aids and Hands-on Activities: Use lots of visual aids, like pictures, diagrams, and real-life objects, to help right-brain learners understand concepts. Incorporate hands-on activities, experiments, and projects to make learning more engaging and interactive.
Storytelling and Creative Expression: Use stories, music, and art to engage right-brain learners and help them connect with the material on an emotional level. Encourage creative writing, drawing, and other forms of artistic expression.
Flexible Learning Environment: Create a flexible and relaxed learning environment that allows for movement, exploration, and creativity. Avoid rigid schedules and allow for breaks and changes in routine as needed.
Big-picture Learning: Help right-brain learners see the big picture and connect different concepts together. Use mind maps, visual organizers, and real-world examples to help them understand how things relate to each other.
Beyond specific programs and techniques, there are many other ways you can support your child's reading development.
Additional Tips and Strategies for Struggling Middle School Readers
Finding the right homeschool reading program is a great first step, but there are many other things you can do to support your struggling middle school reader. Here are some additional tips and strategies:
1. Create a Supportive Learning Environment
Reduce Pressure: Learning to read can be challenging, and struggling readers often feel pressure to "catch up" or perform at a certain level. Create a relaxed and supportive learning environment where your child feels comfortable making mistakes and asking for help.
Focus on Strengths: Celebrate your child's strengths and interests, even if they're not related to reading. This helps build their confidence and reminds them that they are capable and valued.
Positive Reinforcement: Focus on positive reinforcement and encouragement. Praise their effort and progress, no matter how small. This helps them stay motivated and develop a positive attitude towards learning.
2. Choose Engaging Reading Materials
Spark Their Interest: Help your child find books that genuinely interest them. This could be anything from graphic novels and magazines to biographies and nonfiction books about their favorite topics. When children are interested in what they're reading, they're more likely to stay engaged and motivated.
Find the Right Level: Make sure the books you choose are at the appropriate reading level for your child. Books that are too difficult can be frustrating, while books that are too easy might not provide enough challenge.
A good rule of thumb is the "five-finger rule": Have your child read a page of the book and hold up a finger for each word they don't know. If they hold up more than five fingers, the book is probably too difficult.
3. Read Aloud Together
Model Good Reading: Reading aloud to your child is a fantastic way to model fluent reading and expose them to new vocabulary and sentence structures. Choose books that are slightly above their independent reading level so they can hear how those books should sound.
Spark Discussions: After reading aloud, engage your child in discussions about the book. Ask them questions about the characters, the plot, and the themes. This helps them develop their comprehension skills and encourages them to think critically about what they've read.
4. Utilize Technology Tools
Assistive Technology: Explore assistive technology tools that can support your child's reading development. Text-to-speech software can read aloud digital text, which can be helpful for students who struggle with decoding. Audiobooks can also be a great way for struggling readers to enjoy literature and improve their listening comprehension skills.
Educational Apps and Websites: There are many educational apps and websites that offer interactive reading games and activities. These can be a fun and engaging way for your child to practice their reading skills and build their confidence.
5. Seek Professional Support
When to Seek Help: If your child is struggling significantly with reading despite your best efforts, it might be helpful to seek professional support. A reading specialist or educational therapist can assess your child's specific needs and recommend targeted interventions and strategies.
Working Together: Working with a professional can provide valuable insights and support, helping you create a personalized plan to help your child overcome their reading challenges and achieve reading success.
Wrapping Up
It can be tough to see your child struggle with reading, but remember, you're not alone! Many homeschooling families face this challenge, and there are fantastic resources and strategies available to help.
The key is to find a homeschool reading program that fits your child's specific needs and learning style. Look for programs that offer systematic phonics instruction, focus on phonemic awareness and vocabulary development, and provide plenty of opportunities to practice fluency and comprehension strategies.
But most importantly, be patient, supportive, and celebrate your child's progress every step of the way. With the right tools and encouragement, your child can overcome their reading challenges and develop a love of reading that will benefit them throughout their lives.
Want a curriculum that creates a love of reading and supports your child's unique learning journey?
At The School House Anywhere, we believe education is more than just textbooks—it's about creating a spark that fuels curiosity, confidence, and lifelong learning. Our innovative American Emergent Curriculum (AEC) brings together math, science, reading, art, and life skills in an exciting, interconnected way that nurtures children academically, emotionally, socially, and physically.
Why Choose TSH Anywhere?
Interconnected Learning: Lessons weave subjects together, making every experience rich and meaningful.
Screen-Free Focus: Designed to meet young learners where they excel—through hands-on activities and critical thinking.
Proven Success: Our students test at least twice above the national average, consistently outperforming peers.
Comprehensive Curriculum: Includes live workshops, film libraries, support networks, and community events—everything you need to homeschool with confidence.
Flexible and Mobile: Follow the curriculum anywhere, anytime. Perfect for families on the move!
What You Get with TSH Anywhere:
Customized Learning Tools: Access 300+ educator films, printable materials, and personalized progress tracking through Transparent Classroom.
Live Support & Community: Weekly live sessions with trained educators and founders, recorded Q&A gatherings, and social media networks for parents and educators.
How to Get Started in 3 Simple Steps:
Learn How to Teach
Dive into AEC’s engaging stories and lessons. Watch step-by-step teaching films to get comfortable with the material.
Teach with Confidence
Set up your learning environment and enjoy live support as you explore topics with your learner.
Track Progress Easily
Use our Transparent Classroom tool to keep records effortlessly.
Visit TSHA to learn more and join our community!
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