If your child is having trouble reading words and writing in kindergarten and first grade, it may just mean reading hasn’t “clicked” yet. But early intervention is essential to helping a child who may be having reading problems, such as dyslexia. If you see some of these signs, contact your child’s teacher or pediatrician.
Your child may have a reading problem if she exhibits some of the following signs.
By kindergarten:
- Has trouble remembering names and sounds of letters
- Has difficulty rhyming
- Is slow to learn new words
By 1st and 2nd grades:
- Is unable to blend sounds together to say words
- Continues to reverse letters–such as writing "d" for "b" or "u" for "n"
- Reverses words, such as "nap" for "pan"
- Is reluctant to read, or read aloud
- Is falling way behind her classmates
By 3rd grade:
- Withdraws
- Says she doesn’t like school
- Continues to have trouble reading
- Displays behavioral problems
- Has trouble sitting still and paying attention
Keep in mind that many children reverse words, especially before the age of 7. But if you see a number of these signs in your grade-schooler and particularly if you have a history of dyslexia in your family try to have your child evaluated sooner rather than later.
