If your child struggles with reading or is diagnosed with dyslexia, the start of school can bring excitement—but also worry. Will they keep up? Will they feel confident? The first 100 days are crucial for building not just skills, but also a belief in themselves as readers. The following 7-step plan will support parents in developing their children’s independence and lay the groundwork for long-term success.
Why Do the First 100 Days of School Matter?
The first months of the year set the foundation for how students experience learning.
- Academic Foundation: Students adjust to new routines, expectations, and curriculum. Strong habits formed early carry through the year.
- Social & Emotional Growth: Students build friendships, practice teamwork, and strengthen collaboration.
- Confidence & Motivation: Early wins build momentum, helping children see themselves as capable learners.
Source: The Help Group – Why the First Day Matters
What Tools Can Help a Dyslexic Student Read at the Start of the Year?
Children who struggle with reading due to a learning difference such as dyslexia often require more than encouragement. They benefit from accessible tools, classroom reading accommodations, and IEP-aligned supports that ensure they can fully participate in learning.
That’s where audiobooks like the Learning Ally Audiobook SolutionⓇ makes a difference. With thousands of human-narrated audiobooks and built-in literacy supports, audiobooks help students:
- Access the same books as their peers without the decoding barrier
- Build vocabulary and comprehension through authentic narration
- Develop independence by choosing how and what they read
🎧 Why Audiobooks Work
Some parents wonder: “Is listening the same as reading?” Research says yes. Human-read audiobooks build literacy skills by:
- Modeling fluency, prosody, and comprehension
- Providing exposure to academic vocabulary and complex text
- Allowing students to focus on meaning, not just decoding
- Strengthening confidence and motivation to read more
Parent Angela Marie D’Antonio shares her experience:
“As a parent of a dyslexic child, Learning Ally has been the bridge that connected my daughter’s brilliant mind to challenging texts that would have otherwise remained inaccessible. Human narration brings literature to life in a way that technology alone cannot. It’s not just an audiobook service—it’s a tool for independence, confidence, and academic success.”
What Are the 7 Steps Parents Can Use to Support Struggling Readers?
You can use these seven repeatable strategies to help your child build independence and confidence as a reader. Repeat these steps throughout the first 100 days to keep progress going.
Step 1: Log In & Explore
- Log in to Learning Ally for the first time
- Not a member yet? Add promo code HOME99 to purchase a household membership for just $99.
- Explore the audiobook library and sample a fun title
- Add curriculum texts and personal favorites to your bookshelf
Step 2: Set Reading Goals
- Create a goal (minutes, pages, or number of books for the semester)
Step 3: Establish a Reading Routine
- Schedule 20 minutes daily (before or after mealtime)
- Track progress in a reading log
Step 4: Customize the Reading Experience
- Adjust speed, font, text, or background color
- Find the settings that make reading most comfortable
Step 5: Build Confidence with Choice
- Encourage self-selected titles
- Ask your child to share likes/dislikes about their current read
Step 6: Learn the Tools
- Use the in-app dictionary to learn new words
- Save notes or vocabulary highlights with the annotation tool
- Share notes with a parent or teacher
Step 7: Celebrate Progress
- Reflect on goals and milestones
- Celebrate successes—big or small—to keep motivation strong
📖 See For Yourself! Sample a Learning Ally Audiobook.
How Can Parents and Teachers Support Beyond These Seven Steps?
The first 7 steps spark independence, but repeating them consistently over the first 100 days builds lasting habits. Parents and teachers can help by:
- Checking in weekly on progress
- Celebrating milestones regularly
- Encouraging audiobook choices that align with classroom texts
- Reinforcing that reading is a journey, not a race
Candace, a Learning Ally parent whose child read for over 10,000 minutes in one month, shares, “We are grateful for Learning Ally. Reading is so important to our family, and this app makes literature super accessible!”
👉 Parents: Getting Started with Learning Ally
Ready to Help Your Child Thrive?
The first 100 days of school are your chance to help your child gain confidence, independence, and joy in reading. With Learning Ally, students don’t just keep up—they thrive.