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For almost forty percent of kids, learning to read is a challenge. So in addition to talking, reading, and writing with your child, families play another important role – being on the lookout for early signs of possible trouble.

Here are two of the biggest to watch out for:

• Language or speech problems

  Children who talk late, who say very few words, who have trouble pronouncing words, or who have difficulty expressing feelings verbally may have trouble learning to read.

• Hearing impairment

  Children who have difficulty hearing the individual sounds in words may have trouble understanding how those sounds connect with letters in written words.

Kids who might have trouble learning to read also may show some of these early warning signs:

• Difficulty rhyming words
• Difficulty learning the alphabet, numbers, or days of the week
• Difficulty following multi-step directions
• Difficulty telling or re-telling a story

You can avoid years of frustration for you and your child by recognizing such problems early and getting the right help. Start with your family doctor — and your local school district may be able to help, too.

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