Kids learn differently. The way one kid learns is never the same as the way the other kid learns. To compare the learning pace of kids would be unfair. It’s a fact. Some kids learn pretty fast, while some take time.
If there is one thing that parents should always keep in mind is that kids learn at their own pace. I have seen a lot of parents who put pressure on their little one simply because their friend’s child is learning a lot faster than theirs. It’s heartbreaking.
The Inevitable Struggle To Learn
While homeschooling can look a lot more relaxing than traditional schooling, the inevitable struggle to learn exists.
One of the most common struggles in homeschooling is the struggle to learn how to read.
It’s safe to say that the struggle to learn how to read is not just a homeschooling issue. It’s an issue that’s also evident in traditional schooling.
This article by Jessica Boschen proves it. She shares how she is managing her son’s ability to learn how to read.
Jessica started off her article stating that her son did not learn how to read in kindergarten. I admire her for facing that struggle because not a lot of parents would admit something like that. Some parents would even be in denial that their kid is struggling to learn how to read.
As a teacher, Jessica was shocked that her son was struggling to read. With an extensive background on early reading instruction, she just could grasp the thought of it.
As a mom, she was feeling guilty. What did she miss? How could she not have seen it coming?
Valid Reasons For The Struggle To Learn How To Read
Jessica listed down some valid reasons as to why they struggle to learn how to read is real. According to her, one of the reasons as to why her son did not learn how to read in kindergarten was simply because he was not interested in it.
For a regular mom, like me, I wouldn’t think that’s a valid reason. The helicopter mom in me would think it’s more of an excuse rather a reason.
Then I gave it more thought and realized that Jessica spoke like a true teacher who values her students. Only an honest teacher can admit that a student is not interested.
Most teachers would not even give importance to the interest of a student. They will just go with the flow and demand that the student learn.
That’s not the case with Jessica. She acknowledged the fact that her son was simply not interested in reading. I applaud her for that.
Jessica pointed out another reason as to why her son was not able to learn how to read in kindergarten. That reason was that her son was just not ready. Again, I applaud Jessica for admitting that her son was just not ready.
It takes a lot to admit something like that. I know a lot of parents who struggle to admit that their kids are just not ready to learn how to read.
Another reason she pointed out was that her son did not get the right reading instruction in kindergarten. As a teacher, she would know. According to her, reading requires solid and consistent instruction.
I agree with her.
The Best Advice
Jessica goes on to share how she is slowly dealing with her son’s struggle to learn how to read. She is carefully balancing her role as a teacher and a mother to help her son.
As a teacher, she is patiently working on her son’s phonemic awareness skills. As much as she is tempted to roll out a whole module on early reading instruction, the mom in her is holding it back.
As a mom, she wants her son to enjoy learning. If she overdoes it as a teacher, she might just scare her son away. It’s an intricate balancing act.
I understand that. Even in our homeschooling groups, I have seen some moms who put a lot of pressure on their kids. It’s heartbreaking.
Jessica shares the best advice for parents whose kids are struggling to learn how to read. Her advice applies to all parents out there.
Jessica’s advice is simple. Give it time. Some kids need more time to learn how to read and there is nothing wrong with that.
Thank you, Jessica, for reminding us that kids do learn at their own pace.
For me, that is the best advice I have gotten as a parent.
When your child learns to read at an early age, it expands their vocabulary and opens up their love for learning. It helps build their confidence and vastly improves their learning abilities.
And based on my experience, having the right reading methodology when teaching your child learn to read makes a world of difference.
I should know as I made that mistake. 😢
In fact, you can read my story about my child’s struggle with reading here and how we were able to help my child become an advanced reader here. 😀🤗