Reading expert Linda Farrell: How we can help struggling readers

Summary

In this video, a reading specialist shares insights into the challenges of identifying and addressing reading struggles in young students. She highlights how pinpointing specific issues, such as difficulty with letter names or sounds, can lead to significant progress. By returning to basics and practicing with mastery, even complex problems like multi-syllable words or letter confusion can be overcome. The key is patience, persistence, and identifying the root cause of each student's reading difficulty to help them become strong readers, no matter their age or grade.

Takeaways

• 😀 Identifying specific reading problems is crucial to helping struggling readers make progress.
• 😀 Even students in kindergarten can struggle with basic letter recognition at the end of the school year, highlighting the importance of early intervention.
• 😀 The key to success in teaching reading is persistence, often requiring repeated practice of basic concepts.
• 😀 A small but specific issue, like not recalling the sound of the letter 'V,' can be the root cause of broader reading difficulties.
• 😀 When struggling with multi-syllable words, it's often a matter of teaching students how to break the words down, not their ability to recognize them.
• 😀 The process of learning to read is not always linear; sometimes fixing one problem can cause other learning obstacles to fall into place.
• 😀 A focused, targeted approach to teaching each specific problem, starting at the foundational level, is essential for progress.
• 😀 Mastery of foundational reading skills is a key factor in a student's ability to advance in reading and overcome challenges.
• 😀 Teaching reading requires adaptability; teachers must adjust their approach based on each individual student's needs and challenges.
• 😀 With proper support and targeted instruction, any struggling reader can become a strong reader, regardless of their age or current skill level.

Q & A

What is the main challenge that teachers face when working with struggling readers?

The main challenge is identifying the specific problem that is preventing the student from progressing, such as issues with letter recognition, sound retrieval, or multi-syllable word pronunciation.

Why is it important to identify the specific problem a struggling reader faces?

Identifying the specific problem allows teachers to tailor their approach and focus on the root issue, which makes it easier to address and overcome the struggle, ultimately helping the student progress in reading.

What does the speaker mean by 'figuring out their problem' when working with a struggling reader?

The speaker means identifying the exact barrier to the student's reading progress, such as not knowing letter names or having trouble with certain sounds, so they can address it directly and effectively.

How does the speaker approach students who struggle with specific letters or sounds?

The speaker emphasizes going back to the basics and starting with the specific sound or letter that the student is struggling with, no matter their age or grade level.

What role does repetition play in helping struggling readers improve?

Repetition is essential in helping students master the concepts they struggle with, even if it requires practicing the same thing many times, such as repeatedly learning a letter or sound until it 'clicks'.

How does the speaker describe the process of improving reading skills in struggling students?

The process involves identifying the most basic problem, addressing it, and practicing until the student masters that aspect. Once one small problem is solved, it can often lead to significant progress in overall reading skills.

What does the speaker mean by saying 'the real trick is figuring out specifically what their problem is'?

The 'real trick' refers to the challenge of accurately diagnosing the student's specific difficulty. Once the issue is identified, it becomes easier to target that problem and help the student improve their reading skills.

What is the speaker's view on the potential for any student to become a strong reader?

The speaker believes that every student, no matter their age or current reading ability, can become a strong reader if their specific issues are identified and addressed with targeted practice until mastery.

Why does the speaker start at the lowest level when working with students who have difficulty with certain letters or sounds?

Starting at the lowest level ensures that the student’s foundational skills are solid, allowing them to build confidence and understanding before moving on to more complex reading tasks.

What is the significance of working with struggling readers over time, according to the speaker?

The significance lies in the teacher’s persistence and dedication to finding the root cause of the reading struggle. Over time, with patience and targeted intervention, even students who face challenges can eventually learn to read successfully.