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Five Back to School Tips for Parents of Struggling Readers

Categories: Learning Disabilities, Parenting

Starting off the school year right for students with learning differences like dyslexia is very important to ensure their success throughout the year. Relieving the stress parents can face during this very busy time is key in creating balance while a child is transitioning from school to home. At Learning Ally, we know what you're going through, from IEPs to locker combinations, school supplies, food drives and extracurricular activities ... the list goes on. 

Back to school season can be chaotic, so we've put together a list of five ways our audiobook solution can get you and your child on track for a better school year.

#1 - 20 minutes a day keeps the tears away and increases test scores

20 Minutes Daily Reading Performance Chart

Research shows that reading 20 minutes each day can raise students' performance on assessment testing. Try blocking off regular times for your child to ear read independently. Here is a list of 23 books your child would love to read. The great thing about Learning Ally audiobooks is you can take them anywhere and read on the go. Squeeze in reading time during car rides or while waiting on long lines at the grocery store.

In short, more time reading = more words read = better reading performance.

#2 - Make homework easier

Struggling reader turns away from books

Did you know Learning Ally has textbooks? Browse through our books by subject and see if you find audio versions of your child's school books. Make homework easier and less frustrating while giving yourself back some much needed personal time. With only 24 hours in a day, Learning Ally can help keep the tears away.

#3 - Create a comfortable spot for your child to read

SRT Winner of reading in most creative space

Struggling readers are inherently less comfortable with the act of reading than their more fluent peers. What better way to ease some of their discomforts than with a plush reading space, easy natural lighting and an inviting background? Creating a comfortable, dedicated reading space in your home invites your child to relax and read or listen to an audio book. Sometimes all it takes are some brightly-colored pillows in a quiet corner or a cardboard box converted into a fort.

#4 - Network with other parents

Are you part of Learning Ally's Parent Chat group? It's a closed Facebook group where thousands of parents share their challenges, strengths, and triumphs. The group is full of rich, valuable discussion; and it's moderated by parents and educators who provide resources and help answer questions you may have regarding your child's learning differences.

Meet our Parent Chat moderators

Nikki S. -- Stay-at-home mom of three awesome kids and member of Learning Ally since June 2016.
Nikki S. Learning Ally Parent Chat Moderator

"When my 10-year-old son was identified as dyslexic, I found the Learning Ally Parent Chat group to be an amazing resource for all the questions I had. When they asked for moderators, I jumped at the chance to help. I have learned so much and want to continue learning and sharing resources with all the parents in our group. I am also a former 2nd and 3rd-grade teacher, so I look forward to using all of my new knowledge about dyslexia when I return to the classroom."

Renee W.-- Learning Ally member and mother.
Renee W. Learning Ally Parent Chat Moderator

"My daughter, Sydney, is 10 years old and in 5th grade. We have been members for three years. I am a meteorologist with the National Weather Service by trade, but I'm also pursuing a Masters in Education concentrating in Reading Science with Mount St. Joseph University. I am Orton-Gillingham trained through them and will be graduating this December. When my 10-year-old son was identified as dyslexic, I found the Learning Ally Parent Chat group to be an amazing resource for all the questions I had. When they asked for moderators, I jumped at the chance to help. I have learned so much and want to continue learning and sharing resources with all the parents in our group. I am also a former 2nd and 3rd-grade teacher, so I look forward to using all of my new knowledge about dyslexia when I return to the classroom."

#5 - Let Kids "Catch" You Reading

Learning Ally Mom and Son reading

It's important that your child sees you reading. Adults who read are positive role models, reinforcing reading habits learned in school and inspiring children to read on their own. Pair up and encourage reading aloud and audio book usage. You can take turns with your child reading along aloud with audi obooks.


About Learning Ally

LEARNING ALLY is a leading non-profit education solutions organization dedicated to transforming the lives of struggling learners. The Learning Ally Audiobook Solution is a proven multi-sensory reading accommodation for students with a reading deficit composed of high quality, human-read audiobooks, student-centric features and a suite of teacher resources to monitor and support student success. Used in more than 17,000 schools, this essential solution bridges the gap between a student’s reading ability and their cognitive capability, empowering them to become engaged learners and reach their academic potential.