Get Your Child Reading Help As Test Scores Fall Nationwide

With the upheaval of the past few years, it’s no surprise that learners need reading help now more than ever. According to recent data on test scores from the National Assessment of Educational Progress, reading scores have dropped across the country since 2020.

These scores are lower than they’ve been in decades—emphasizing the need for more structured learning support for students. But there’s good news, too. Reading skills can be strengthened and improved with proper assistance. Brain training and other forms of one-on-one reading help can help readers transform their frustrations and struggles into newfound strengths.

Reading is one of those skills that plays a role in so many aspects of day-to-day life, even if you’re not a frequent book reader. That’s especially true for children and young learners! Let’s review how reading impacts learning and thinking skills, and how you can keep a lookout for potential reading struggles.  

All About Reading and Reading Challenges

How Reading Can Affect Learning and Thinking

In an increasingly automated world, it’s easy to think that reading may be less important than it’s been in the past. In fact, the opposite is true! Reading plays a foundational role in learning and thinking, and it’s especially crucial for younger learners. Here’s how:

• Enhances cognitive skills.
  Reading isn’t just one singular skill. In reality, it draws on a variety of cognitive abilities, including memory, critical thinking, logic, and more. As kids improve their reading skills, it also has an impact on their other cognitive skills — crucial for the developing young mind!
  
• Builds vocabulary.
  Kids start picking up words even before they learn to read. But reading fast-tracks their overall vocabulary. It doesn’t just expose them to new words—it helps them understand what those words mean, and how to effectively use them in a sentence.
  
• Encourages emotional awareness.
  Reading is often considered a solitary activity—so it may be hard to envision how it improves social skills. But studies show that reading can enhance emotional intelligence, improve empathy, and expand the imagination. These are valuable skills at any age and can help kids more easily navigate school and life.

• A building block for communication.
  Every aspect of learning involves reading or language! When kids improve their reading skills, they can also improve the way they communicate, understand, and learn. When kids get the reading help they need, it can give them the confidence and independence they need as young learners!

3 Signs Your Learner May Need Reading Help

If your learner needs reading help, they’re not alone! Many students struggle with reading, but the right support can ease those challenges over time. Tutoring and brain training are just a few examples of one-on-one reading help for learners of all ages.

But how do you know if your learner is struggling with reading in the first place? Here are a few potential signs:  

• There’s a family history of reading difficulties.
  When it comes to reading difficulties, particularly cognitive differences like dyslexia, genetics can play a role. If there’s a family history of reading problems, it may be worth keeping a closer eye on your learner.
  
• An avoidance of reading.
  Kids are brimming with curiosity and interest in the world around them, so it’s usually a concern when they avoid something. If your learner steers away from books or text in other forms or displays no interest in letters, you may want to investigate.

• Struggling with punctuation or letters.
  Often, challenges with reading can start with difficulty identifying letters or punctuation. If your learner mixes up letters like “b” and “d,” or doesn’t pay attention to punctuation, that may be a sign of reading troubles.

Reading Help Through Personalized Brain Training

Many people who’ve previously struggled can develop strong reading skills with the right help! At LearningRx, we offer one-on-one reading help programs that are tailored to each unique learner. Students of all ages can practice and strengthen their reading abilities, including reading comprehension and reading speed.

We embrace neurodiversity with our one-on-one approach! Our brain trainers can provide support to those with cognitive differences, like dyslexia or ADHD. Through regular sessions, supported by a one-on-one brain trainer, learners can gain new confidence and enhance their ability to read!

Find out how brain training can provide reading help for learners of all ages. To get started, call 866-BRAIN-01 or find your local LearningRx by visiting us online!