Parent guide · Reviewed 19 August 2026
My Child Struggles to Read English: Where Do We Start?
Start by identifying which part of reading is not yet secure—not by adding a longer list of words to memorise.
Observe the pattern
Notice whether the child guesses from pictures, knows sounds but cannot blend, confuses certain patterns, or reads words without understanding them. Specific examples guide the next step.
Lower the difficulty
Use words and texts that match patterns the child already knows. Short, successful practice can rebuild confidence before new material is added.
When to seek wider support
If difficulty persists across languages or comes with concerns about hearing, vision, speech, attention, or development, speak with the child’s school and an appropriate licensed professional.
Frequently asked questions
Is more practice always the answer?
No. Practice must be at the right level; work that is too difficult can reinforce guessing.
What should we bring to an assessment?
The child’s age, learning history, and examples of work or books that feel difficult are useful.
Related guidance
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