Heading back to school is exciting, but for many families it can also bring stress. If your child is in grades 3–5 and still struggling with reading, you may feel unsure about how to help. The good news is that with the right support, children can make meaningful progress and gain confidence.

Why Reading Matters in Upper Elementary

Around third grade, children move from learning to read to reading to learn. This means reading is no longer just a subject. It becomes the tool for success in science, social studies, and even math word problems. Without strong reading skills, bright and capable students can quickly fall behind across every subject.

How to Recognize Struggling Readers in Grades 3–5

By upper elementary, kids often work hard to hide their challenges, but there are clear signs to look for. If your child:

1. Avoids reading whenever possible
2. Guesses at words instead of decoding them
3. Still sounds out very simple words

these may be red flags that they are struggling with reading fluency and foundational skills.

Steps Parents Can Take to Support Reading Progress

Your child’s teacher is your best partner. Ask how your child’s reading fluency is being monitored. If you are not sure, request data on their progress. Consistent progress monitoring is critical at this age. It shows whether your child is making gains or needs additional support.

At-Home Literacy Tips for Grades 3–5

Parents can help struggling readers at home with simple, consistent routines:

1. Read together every day. Even short passages help reinforce skills.
2. Break down longer words. Teach your child to find the base word and suffix to make decoding easier.
3. Celebrate effort. Praise persistence and problem-solving so your child builds reading confidence.

These daily habits support school instruction and make reading less stressful.

How Sprout Labs Supports Struggling Readers

Sprout Labs uses a science-backed, Orton-Gillingham–based approach to help families. Our reading assessment identifies where a child is stuck, and we build a personalized plan to move them forward. Whether the challenge is dyslexia, fluency, or gaps in phonics, our specialists provide tools that strengthen foundational skills and improve reading confidence.

Make This School Year a Fresh Start

Back-to-school season is the perfect time to take action. If your child is in grades 3–5 and still struggling to read, you do not need to wait for things to get harder. With targeted support at home and with Sprout Labs, progress is possible.

Learn more about how Sprout Labs can help your child thrive this year.