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Reading Rockets offers a wealth of reading strategies, lessons, and activities designed to help young children learn how to read and read better. Our reading resources assist parents, teachers, and other educators in working with struggling readers who require additional help in reading fundamentals and comprehension skills development.

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Parent as Advocate

Rick Lavoie has worked with kids with reading problems for more than 30 years. His advice to parents is to toughen up and recognize that your child needs you.

"Parents sometimes worry that they're overreacting when their child isn't reading in first or second grade," says Lavoie. "It's really not possible to overreact to that. The reality is you need to stand up for your child. He's not old enough or capable at this point to advocate for himself. It's uncomfortable sometimes, but you've got a right to ask questions. You've got a right to receive answers."

The articles below provide information and advice on how to make sure your child is getting the help he or she needs to read.

Taking a Closer Look: My Child's Academic Success
By: U.S. Department of Education (2008)

The U.S. Education Department provides these tips for parents about how to be involved in your child's school, and what to do if problems arise.

When Good Kids Get Bad Grades
By: Lisamarie Sanders (2006)

Tutoring offers kids the special one-on-one attention that busy teachers often can't provide. From simple homework help to intensive work on basic skills, tutoring can offer just the boost your child needs to succeed.

Seeking Help for a Struggling Reader: 8 Steps for Parents
By: Reading Rockets (2004)

What should you do if you think your child is having trouble with reading? Sometimes children just need more time, but sometimes they need extra help. Trust your instincts! You know your child best. If you think there's a problem, there probably is.

My Son's Disability, and My Own Inability to See It
By: Martha Randolph Carr (2004)

This is a cautionary tale, not just for people who have no real idea of what a learning disability is and probably suspect the whole thing is an overindulgent scam, but also for any parent of a child struggling mightily through school.

How Parents Can Be Advocates for Their Children
By: Coordinated Campaign for Learning Disabilities (2000)

As your child's best advocate, you are in a unique position to identify and implement positive changes. This article gives advice on how to be effective. You should know the rules, keep records, gather information, and communicate effectively.