Does Your Bright Child Struggle with Reading?

When a bright child continues to struggle with reading despite the best interventions, it can be very frustrating. However, observing your child when studying may provide some very helpful clues. 

If you know what to look for, you may be able to unlock the door to success for your child. For example, does your child:

-  avoid reading or homework? 

-  understand the materials when you read to her, but not when she reads for herself? 

-  lose his place when reading? 

-  have more trouble comprehending what is read the longer he or she reads?

The signs that a vision problem is blocking learning are easy to see, when you know what to look for. Unfortunately, most people assume that a child can see up close because the child can see things in the distance – like the board in the classroom, the TV, etc. 

Yet there are over 15 visual skills that are required for reading and academic success and being able to see the letters on the eye chart (20/20) is just one of those visual skills. For example, when we read our eyes have to move from left to right and then be able to move accurately to the next line (tracking). In addition, when in the classroom you need to be able to look at the board and then at your notes easily (changing your focus from far to near). Our eyes also need to work as a team to see clearly. If our eyes do not work as a team, we may see the words drift apart or move on the page. Eye-hand coordination is another visual skill necessary for handwriting and sports.

For more information and examples of how your child might see when he/she reads please visit: www.learningisvisual.com