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Back to School: How to Build a Confident Reader This Year

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As a new school year begins, many parents are excited to see their children return to the classroom. For families of children with learning differences, however, back-to-school season can also bring a familiar worry: Will reading be a struggle again this year?

If your child has difficulty recognizing words, remembering sight words, sounding out unfamiliar words, or reading with confidence, we’re here to help.

Many bright, capable children struggle with reading, especially those with dyslexia or other language-based learning differences.

This article covers reading as a learned skill, explicit reading instructions, the role phonics can play, how parents can help at home, and how to build a confident, successful reader.

Reading Struggles Are NOT a Reflection of Intelligence

One of the biggest misconceptions about reading is that children who struggle simply aren’t trying hard enough. The truth is that reading is a learned skill, and every child learns how to do it differently.

Some children naturally pick up reading through repeated exposure. Others need explicit instruction that teaches each building block in a clear, systematic way. Children with dyslexia, dysgraphia, ADHD, or other learning differences often benefit from additional practice and specialized teaching methods.

A child who struggles to read today may still be highly creative, curious, and intelligent. Their brain simply processes language differently.

Sometimes the Best Way Forward Is to Start with the Foundation

When children fall behind in reading, it’s tempting to focus on catching them up as quickly as possible. However, adding more advanced material before foundational skills are secure can leave children feeling frustrated and overwhelmed.

Instead, many struggling readers benefit from going back to the basics. Foundational reading skills should include:

  • Understanding how sounds blend together to form words
  • Learning phonics patterns
  • Building sight word recognition
  • Reading words accurately before focusing on speed
  • Developing comprehension after decoding becomes more automatic

Think of reading like building a house. If the foundation isn’t strong, adding another floor won’t solve the problem. Strengthening those early skills creates a solid base for future learning.

Why Phonics Matter

Research supporting the Science of Reading has shown that most struggling readers benefit from explicit, systematic phonics instruction. Rather than guessing words based on pictures or memorizing hundreds of words by sight alone, children learn how letters and sounds work together to form words.

This structured approach helps children become independent readers because they gain the tools to decode unfamiliar words instead of relying on memorization.

For many students with dyslexia, learning to read phonetically can be the turning point that changes reading from a daily frustration into an achievable challenge. One promising online program for learning phonetic reading skills at home is found at Reading Horizons. Right now, they are offering a 30-day trial, so you try it out for free.

Confidence Grows One Success at a Time

Reading confidence doesn’t appear overnight. It develops through repeated experiences of success, so be certain to celebrate the small victories along the way.

It’s time for praise and fanfare when your child reads an entire page independently for the first time. Or maybe they correctly sound out three difficult words. Perhaps they finish a chapter book with the help of an audiobook.

Each one of these successes builds confidence.

And that confidence (and praise) encourages children to practice more, which then leads to stronger reading skills.

Simple Ways Parents Can Encourage Reading at Home

Parents don’t have to become reading specialists to make a difference.

Reading together for just 15 to 20 minutes each day creates valuable opportunities to practice without pressure. Choose books that match your child’s current reading level rather than their age or grade level. Graphic novels, decodable readers, and audiobooks paired with printed books are all excellent tools for developing literacy skills.

You can also make reading part of everyday life by encouraging your child to read recipes, menus, signs, board game instructions, or simple directions while you’re out together.

Most importantly, praise effort instead of perfection. When children feel safe making mistakes, they become more willing to keep trying.

Rockwood Prep and Reading Success

At Rockwood Prep, we understand that children with learning differences often need a different path to reading success.

Our small class sizes allow teachers to meet students where they are instead of expecting every child to move through reading instruction at the same pace.

Individualized learning plans, structured literacy techniques, and multisensory teaching methods help students rebuild foundational reading skills while developing confidence in their own abilities.

Rather than rushing through lessons, we celebrate progress one step at a time. Whether a child is learning phonics for the first time or strengthening previously learned skills, every success matters.

We believe every child can learn to read. They simply may not learn the same way or at the same pace.

A Fresh Start This School Year

The beginning of a new school year offers more than new teachers and new classrooms. It offers a chance for a fresh start.

If your child has struggled with reading in the past, remember that progress isn’t measured by how quickly they reach the finish line. It’s measured by the confidence they build along the journey.

With patience, individualized instruction, and the right foundation, struggling readers can become confident learners who discover the joy of reading for themselves.

If you’re looking for a school that understands how children with learning differences learn best, we invite you to schedule a tour of Rockwood Prep. Together, we can help your child build the skills—and the confidence—they need to thrive this school year and beyond.

Super Readers are Created, Not Born

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Some children gobble up books before kindergarten. Others would rather build with Legos, climb a tree, or take apart a robot than sit down with a chapter book. Neither approach to learning nor reading is wrong.

Reading is a long journey, and every child begins in a different place. We want parents to know that super readers are not born; instead, they are created through curiosity, confidence, encouragement, and joyful experiences while learning.

At Rockwood Prep Academy, we believe children don’t have to learn the same way to love learning. Our job isn’t to raise the fastest reader in the classroom… it’s to foster a joyful, lifelong learner.

Why Reading Looks Different for Some Children

For most children, reading comes easily. For others, it takes more time, support, and creativity. Developing readers may learn differently, struggle with attention and focus, miss foundational reading skills along the way, or simply need movement and hands-on experiences to stay engaged. Reading can also feel overwhelming when children begin comparing themselves to their peers.

When reading becomes a source of frustration, children may begin to believe they are “not readers.” One of the most important gifts we can give our children is helping them understand that becoming a reader isn’t about speed or perfection. It’s about discovering that stories, learning, and curiosity belong to them too.

Confidence often comes before competence. Children who believe they are readers are much more willing to become readers.

Building the Foundations of a Super Reader

Most of the time we begin with the book when we should begin with the child. What makes your child’s eyes light up? Sharks? Space? Baking? Sports? Dinosaurs? Magic tricks? Robotics?

Begin there.

Children are much more likely to become engaged readers when reading feels like an extension of something they already love. A child who isn’t interested in reading may simply not be interested in what they’re being asked to read.

Research tells us that reading aloud continues to be valuable throughout elementary school. Listening to stories strengthens vocabulary, improves comprehension skills, and creates meaningful moments of connection. Reading together doesn’t stop being important simply because a child is learning to read independently.

Audiobooks are another wonderful tool for developing readers. They expose children to rich language and allow them to enjoy stories that may still be beyond their independent reading level. Listening while following along with a printed book can strengthen both confidence and comprehension.

You might be surprised to learn that reading comic books and picture books are equally valuable. They encourage children to connect illustrations with text, infer meaning from facial expressions and context clues, and follow the sequence of a story. They books are not shortcuts to literacy, but they are pathways to it.

So, yes, reading Lego instructions counts. So do joke books, children’s cookbooks, magazines, and books about their favorite hobbies.

TIP: Don’t choose books based solely on grade level recommendations. Choose books based on your child’s interests. Passion is often the doorway to literacy.

Make Reading an Adventure

Reading doesn’t always happen sitting quietly at a desk. It may happen in a blanket fort with a flashlight, while listening to an audiobook and coloring.

Children learn differently, and that’s something worth celebrating.

Try creating family reading rituals. Spend fifteen minutes reading together before bed. Visit the library regularly and allow your child to choose books that spark their curiosity. Read recipes together while cooking or encourage dramatic readings of favorite stories.

Children need to have more joyful experiences with reading. This makes them more likely to see the task as something they get to do rather than something they must do.

Myths About Reading

There are too many misconceptions about what successful reading should look like. We think that:

  • Good readers do not only read chapter books. Illustrative novels, comic books, audiobooks, and nonfiction books are all valuable tools for building literacy skills.
  • Reading does not always happen independently. Reading together remains beneficial throughout childhood.
  • Children do not need to sit perfectly still to become successful readers. Many children learn best when movement is part of the experience.
  • Developing readers do not all follow the same timeline. There is no one way to become a reader.

How to Help Your Reader to Find Success

Sometimes the greatest obstacle to reading isn’t ability. It’s confidence.

Celebrating effort over speed and praising curiosity over perfection is a great way to keep your child interested in reading. Try to avoid comparing siblings or classmates and remember that progress isn’t always measured by how many pages a child reads in one sitting.

Some parents find success in letting their child revisit favorite books. There is tremendous value in rereading stories they love. Familiarity builds confidence, and confidence encourages growth.

“Let them quit the book. As adults, we don’t finish every book we begin, and children shouldn’t have to either. If your child isn’t enjoying a book after giving it a fair chance, let them choose another one. Sometimes finding the right book is all it takes to create a lifelong reader.” – Marci Gabriel, CEO, Rockwood Prep Academy and ABA Connections of Arizona

Raising a Happy Reader

There is no one way to become a reader. Some children arrive there through chapter books and others through comic books, audiobooks, recipes, mysteries, and adventures. The path may look different for every child, but every child deserves the opportunity to discover that learning can be joyful.

If your child isn’t falling asleep with a chapter book under their pillow just yet, that’s okay.

If they would rather read Pokémon cards, laugh at comic books, listen to audiobooks while building with Legos, or ask you to read the same story for the hundredth time, that’s okay too.

Reading is not a race, and childhood is not a competition.

Super readers are not created in a day. They are created in the quiet moments when children feel capable, curious, and connected to learning. Those moments often become the foundation for a lifetime of joyful reading.

At Rockwood Prep Academy, we believe every child is wonderfully designed to learn.

Children don’t have to learn the same way to love learning. When we nurture confidence, curiosity, and connection, we aren’t simply teaching children how to read. We’re helping them become lifelong learners.

For children who may also struggle with attention, self-regulation, or learning challenges that affect their educational experience, additional support can make a meaningful difference. Our partners at ABA Connections provide individualized ABA therapy services that help children build the skills and confidence they need to thrive at home, at school, and in their communities.

Don’t Let Reading Skills Slide This Summer: Free Arizona Reading Programs for Families

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It’s heartbreaking to watch your child struggle with reading. Then there’s the subsequent meltdowns that happen during the school year. And even though summer vacation is a much-needed break from those challenges, the best thing you can do for your child right now is to get them involved in fun and free local Arizona reading programs. 

This is especially true for students in second through fourth grade who struggle with reading. Summer reading can become one of the most important things they do before returning to school.

In fact, children who continue reading during the summer often maintain their progress and confidence. Those who stop reading entirely will likely lose some of the gains they worked so hard to achieve during the school year.

That’s why we suggest that parents who live in the San Tan Valley, Queen Creek, Gilbert, and Mesa areas, tap into several free Arizona summer reading programs. These free programs can make reading feel less like schoolwork and more like an adventure.

“Reading confidence is built through consistent practice and positive experiences,” says Marci Gabriel, CEO of Rockwood Prep and ABA Connections. “When children find books they enjoy so they keep reading during the summer, often return to school feeling more capable, prepared, and willing to take on new challenges.”

Stop the Summer Reading Slide

Researchers have studied what is often called the educational “summer slide” for decades. Reading skills are particularly vulnerable when children stop practicing that skill. A review published by the nonprofit learning organization RAND found that students who participate in summer learning opportunities can maintain or improve academic skills, especially in reading.

Research from multiple sources also show that regular reading practice helps children retain vocabulary, reading fluency, and comprehension skills.

For students who already struggle with reading, the stakes can be even higher.

TIP: A child who finishes third grade below reading level may find fourth-grade coursework increasingly challenging across nearly every subject.

6 Reasons Summer Reading Programs Help Children

  1. Maintains reading fluency
  2. Builds vocabulary
  3. Strengthens comprehension skills
  4. Increases confidence
  5. Develops a positive relationship with books
  6. Perhaps most importantly, reading during summer can help children avoid feeling like they are starting over each fall

Free Arizona Summer Reading Programs for 2026

Maricopa County Reads

Maricopa County Reads runs from June 1 through July 20, 2026, and serves families throughout the county. Children can track reading progress, earn rewards, and participate in activities designed to encourage lifelong reading habits.

Mesa Public Library Summer Reading Program

Mesa Public Library offers a free summer reading challenge for children of all ages. Participants track reading minutes. They can the earn prizes while attending library events throughout the summer.

Chandler Public Library Summer Reading Challenge

Many Queen Creek and Gilbert families use Chandler Public Library’s summer reading program, which includes reading goals, activities, and incentives for children.

Gilbert Regional Library Programs

The Gilbert Regional Library participates in countywide summer reading initiatives and hosts family-friendly reading activities all summer.

How to Get Kids Excited About Reading at Home

One mistake many parents make is treating summer reading like a school assignment or a daily homework assignment. Children are far more likely to read when they have some control over the experience.

TIP: PBS Kids has a fun, downloadable reading chart and other fun summer resources for kids.

Instead of focusing on reading levels or educational goals, start by finding topics your child genuinely enjoys. A child who refuses to read a traditional chapter book may happily spend 20 minutes reading about dinosaurs, Minecraft, space exploration, or graphic novels.

Create a Daily Reading Routine

Children really do thrive on consistency and structure. To get a no-fuss daily reading routine going in your home, set aside 15 to 20 minutes at the same time each day. Some families enjoy reading after breakfast. Others prefer quiet reading time before bed.

You are not looking for perfection. Instead work together on building a habit.

Let Kids Choose Their Books

Children are much more motivated when they can select books that interest them. Library visits can become a weekly summer outing. This is a chance for your child to explore new topics and authors.

Read Together

Even older elementary students benefit from reading with a parent. Take turns reading pages, discuss interesting characters, or simply spend time reading together. These moments help children associate reading with connection rather than pressure.

Celebrate Progress

Small celebrations can make a big difference. A trip to the library, choosing a new book, or marking a reading chart can help children stay motivated.

A Fresh Start for Struggling Readers

For parents whose children struggled in a traditional classroom last year, summer offers something valuable: a chance to rebuild confidence without grades, tests, or academic pressure.

Reading does not have to look the same for every child. Some students thrive with audiobooks paired with printed text. Others prefer graphic novels or nonfiction books about their favorite interests.

What matters most is helping children experience success.

At Rockwood Prep, we understand that many students learn differently and need individualized support to build academic confidence. Continuing a simple summer reading routine can be one meaningful step toward helping your child start the next school year feeling stronger, more capable, and ready to learn.

The Three Levels of Dyslexia

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As a parent, it’s important to know that there are three different levels of dyslexia. This knowledge and other information will help you effectively advocate for your child in school.

First, let’s review the basic definition of dyslexia. This common learning disability affects the way the brain processes written and spoken language. It can make reading and writing difficult for children, but the good news is that with the right support and interventions, children with dyslexia can succeed in school.

Three Levels of Dyslexia

Mild dyslexia may not be noticeable until a child starts school and struggles with reading and writing. Signs of mild dyslexia in preschool and elementary-aged children may include:

  • difficulty pronouncing words
  • trouble rhyming
  • difficulty learning the alphabet
  • include slow or inaccurate reading
  • poor spelling
  • difficulty with phonemic awareness.

 In middle and high school-aged children, signs may include difficulty with grammar, comprehension, and expressing thoughts in writing.

Interesting fact: For children with dyslexia to reach their highest reading potential, the disorder must be remediated before age seven or eight using intensive, explicit reading interventions.

Moderate dyslexia is more noticeable and may require more intensive interventions and support. Signs of moderate dyslexia may include:

  • difficulty with reading fluency
  • trouble decoding words
  • poor spelling
  • struggles with reading comprehension
  • problems with written language

Severe dyslexia is the most challenging level and may require specialized instruction and accommodations. Signs of severe dyslexia may include:

  • very slow or inaccurate reading
  • poor spelling
  • significant difficulties with comprehension
  • problems with written expression
  • difficulty with handwriting
  • problems with written language

How Parents Can Advocate for Their Child

As a parent, it’s important to advocate for your dyslexic child in school. This may involve requesting a formal evaluation for dyslexia, working with teachers and specialists to develop an individualized education plan (IEP), and ensuring that your child receives appropriate accommodations and support.

Some accommodations for dyslexic students may include extra time on tests, audiobooks, speech-to-text software, and reading interventions.

It’s also important to educate yourself and become more aware about dyslexia and how it affects your child. Joining a support group or seeking out resources from dyslexia organizations can help you connect with other parents and learn more about dyslexia.

Remember that each child with dyslexia is unique, and what works for one child may not necessarily work for another.

By understanding the three different levels of dyslexia and advocating for your child in school, you can be the catalyst for your child to receive the support and interventions they need to succeed academically and unlock their full potential. Dyslexia is not a barrier to success – get out there and find the right support and accommodations. In you live in Arizona, we may be able to help. See rockwoodprep.com to learn more.

The Power of a Reading Routine

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Reading routines matter

Struggling readers face many challenges that make reading feel overwhelming and daunting. These challenges may include difficulties with decoding words, poor comprehension skills, or a lack of motivation to pick up a book.

These obstacles to reading are why teachers, parents, and children often feel frustrated, embarrassed, and discouraged.

That’s why we strongly suggest that parents add a regular reading routine, at home, to help address these challenges and provide struggling readers with the support they need to improve their reading skills and build confidence.

Establishing a consistent routine that incorporates daily reading time, can create a positive and encouraging environment that promotes a love of reading.

WHAT READING EXPERTS SAY

Reading experts tell us that struggling readers need early and frequent intervention. This is all supported by research that shows that targeted support and early intervention can significantly improve outcomes for struggling readers. 

Richard L. Allington, author of What Really Matters When Working with Struggling Readers, wrote, “There is good news and bad news on working with struggling readers. The good news is that we now have an essential research base demonstrating that virtually every child could be reading grade level by the end of first grade. The bad news is that almost no schools in the United States have anything in place that much looks like what the research says young children need to become engaged readers.” Some strategies that good teachers employ to help struggling readers include:

  • Reading and rereading familiar texts
  • Reading aloud with guidance
  • Providing students with a variety of books that they can read, understand, and enjoy
  • Using direct or explicit instruction
  • Focusing on phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension
  • Using inventive writing to motivate students
  • Using “sound stretching” to focus on phonemes

HERE’S WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP

Your struggling reader will flourish with structure and an established time for reading at home, especially if this can be a shared experience with you.

Use these 11 ideas to help establish a beloved reading routine at home:

  1. Start early: Reading aloud sessions that start in infancy lay a foundation for language acquisition, vocabulary growth, and creating a special bond between child and parent.
  2. Create a designated reading nook: Find a corner, closet, or section of a room and deck it out with pillows, blankets, and books. So that the nook is effective, the area should feel serene and be far from other distractions.
  3. Model reading: It doesn’t make sense to expect children to enjoy reading if they don’t see us enjoying reading. Model joyful reading by ditching screen time for more read time. The enthusiastically sharing your favorite, age-appropriate parts of the book you are reading in the car or at dinner.
  4. Ask questions: Take time to ask your child what they are reading and what they like about their book. Reading comprehension is nothing more than understanding what’s being read, so ask questions and listen to the answers.
  5. Audio reading: You can support your struggling reader with audiobooks. Audio books are very helpful for students with dyslexia. However, audiobooks should never replace reading a book.  
  6. Be consistent: Celebrity life coach, Tony Robbins teaches that, “Repetition is the mother of skill.” This statement couldn’t be truer for struggling readers. Make it happen parents! Your child must read every single morning or night, even if it’s for five minutes.
  7. Celebrate progress: Don’t forget to praise your child for their efforts and improvements in reading, no matter how small. Many children thrive with a reward system, like special treats, fun activities, or even earning a sticker that’s tracked on a poster board chart.
  8. Encourage exploration of different books: Oftentimes children get stuck in thinking that there is only one genre of book that they like. Introduce your student to a variety of book formats and genres but get their buy-in to try something new that interests them and caters to their preferred preferences.
  9. Take advantage of everyday reading opportunities: As you take your littles to school, play date, or their next appointment read billboards and signs together as you travel along the way. You can also teach your children to read food labels and package instructions at home. Each engagement reinforces reading skills.
  10. Send love notes: Every child enjoys receiving letters in the mail, or little notes and cards hidden strategically throughout your home.
  11. Advocate for your student: All children deserve the opportunity to be academically successful—no matter what academic challenges they face. Make certain that they are receiving every opportunity to learn and excel at school.

So, are we in favor of a regular, non-negotiable reading routine? Absolutely!

We know that having strong decoding and reading skills helps students to build knowledge, skills, confidence, and independence. No matter what is happening (or not happening) at your school to help your struggling reader, you can make a difference by creating a systematic, consistent reading routine at home.

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