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.
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.
By upper elementary, kids often work hard to hide their challenges, but there are clear signs to look for. If your child:
these may be red flags that they are struggling with reading fluency and foundational skills.
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.
Parents can help struggling readers at home with simple, consistent routines:
These daily habits support school instruction and make reading less stressful.
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.
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.
Eileen Catizone is an educational consultant, curriculum developer, professional development leader, as well as reading specialist addressing the literacy needs of students. She has extensive teaching experience, both as a classroom teacher and reading specialist for grades PreK through 8th. As an Orton-Gillingham and IDA Dyslexia Practitioner, Eileen has been able to translate the scores of struggling readers to evidence-based practices that can be carried out through targeted remediation. She continues to teach students with dyslexia, as well as serve as an educational consultant to school and families.
