There are many resources dedicated to helping boys improve their reading skills, along with websites and educational programs designed to encourage reading both in and out of the classroom.

A Gender Gap in Reading Skills

Concerns about boys falling behind in school remain part of a broader conversation about education and literacy. Recent reporting highlighted growing concerns among educators and researchers about boys’ academic performance, engagement, and graduation rates in Canada.

Similar discussions are happening internationally. explored why many boys struggle early in school, while examined how traditional classroom environments may not always support boys’ learning styles and literacy development.

Many experts point to the importance of engagement, hands-on learning, and finding reading materials that genuinely interest students. That’s part of why comic books and graphic novels continue to stand out as valuable literacy tools.

Why Graphic Novels Appeal to Boys

Graphic novels may be one of the best tools that can spark boys’ interest in reading. But what is it about graphic novels that captures boys’ attention? Are graphic novels enough to help close the reading gap?

Comic books and graphic novels appeal to many boys because they combine visual storytelling with written language. Graphic images add depth and dimension to the story while helping readers stay engaged. Even though graphic novels often contain less text than traditional novels, their narratives remain rich and meaningful.

A article notes that boys are not “just looking at the pictures.” In fact, graphic novels can provide many of the same literacy benefits as other forms of reading.

Do Graphic Novel Books Improve Literacy Skills?

Graphic novels can be valuable learning tools. Along with encouraging reading engagement, graphic novels can help teach important literacy concepts such as metaphor, tone, pacing, inference, and tension.

However, for graphic novels to help boys improve reading skills and narrow the literacy gap, they must also be recognized as legitimate and valuable reading material in schools and classrooms.

How Comic Books and Graphic Novels Support Literacy Development

The facts are:

• Reading and literacy skills are critical for academic success.
• During the early and middle school years, boys often lag behind girls in reading achievement.
• Many boys show a stronger interest in graphic novels and comic books.
• Graphic novels can help increase reading confidence, comprehension, and engagement.

At the same time, reading comics should not become a “shortcut” that avoids deeper reading challenges. Children still need opportunities to think critically, build vocabulary, and develop the concentration required for sustained reading.

Avoiding Reading Stereotypes

While gender differences in reading abilities may exist, it’s also important not to create gender-based reading stereotypes. Boys should never be told they will not enjoy text-heavy books, and girls should never be told that graphic novels are “just for boys.”

Reading development is highly individual. Both boys and girls can overcome learning challenges, strengthen literacy skills, and become confident readers with the right support and encouragement.

Why Graphic Novels Belong on the Reading List

Comic books and graphic novels can provide a dynamic and engaging reading experience for students of all ages. For boys who may be struggling with reading motivation or confidence, comics can be an effective way to spark a love of reading and encourage continued literacy growth.

Whether used at home or in the classroom, graphic novels can help young readers take the next step in their reading journey.

We help students build strong reading skills and confidence through personalized learning programs designed to meet each child’s unique needs.

Reach out to us if your child needs reading help today. 

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Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in 2010 and was updated in 2026.

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The answer is often more complex than it seems. Reading isn’t a single skill; it’s a combination of several skills working together at the same time.

A helpful way to understand this process is through , a research-based model created by literacy expert . This approach, demonstrated as an infographic, shows how different reading skills intertwine and strengthen over time, helping children become more confident and capable readers.

Reading Rope image via

Understanding how the Reading Rope works can help parents understand why some children struggle with reading, and how the right support can help them succeed.

Why Reading Is More Complex Than It Looks

For many of us adults, reading often feels easy and automatic. But for children learning to read, many skills are developing behind the scenes.

Scarborough illustrated this idea as a rope made of multiple strands. At first, each strand is separate and requires effort. As children practice and build their skills, those strands tighten together, creating effortless reading.

The rope is divided into two main areas:

• Word recognition (reading the words on the page)
• Language comprehension (understanding what those words mean)

When both areas develop together, they lead to strong reading comprehension.

The Skills Every Reader Needs

The lower strands of the rope focus on accurate word recognition. These foundational skills help students read more fluently over time.

Phonological Awareness

Phonological awareness is the ability to hear and work with the sounds in spoken words.

Before kids can read, they need to understand that words are made up of smaller sounds. For example, they learn that the word cat contains three sounds: c-a-t.

Once they recognize these sound patterns, children can begin connecting sounds to letters, which is an essential step in learning to read.

Decoding

Decoding is the process of translating written letters into spoken sounds.

When children decode, they use letter-sound knowledge to read unfamiliar words. This skill is critical in early reading development because it allows students to tackle new words independently.

As decoding improves, reading becomes smoother and more automatic.

Learn more about decoding here. 

Sight Word Recognition

Some words appear so frequently that children eventually recognize them instantly without sounding them out.

This process allows readers to store words in their memory for quick retrieval. The more words a child can recognize automatically, the more fluent their reading becomes.

Language Skills That Build Understanding

Reading words is only part of the process. Strong readers also need to understand what those words mean.

The upper strands of the rope focus on language comprehension, the skills that help readers make sense of text.

Background Knowledge

Children understand texts more easily when they already know something about the topic.

For example, a student reading about electricity will understand the material more easily if they already have some basic knowledge of how electricity works.

The more experiences and knowledge children gain, the easier it becomes to connect ideas while reading.

Vocabulary

Vocabulary plays a major role in reading comprehension.

If a child doesn’t know the meaning of important words in a reading, understanding the overall message becomes difficult. As children read more and engage in conversations, their vocabulary grows, making reading easier and more enjoyable.

Language Structure

Language structure includes grammar, sentence patterns, and the organization of ideas within sentences.

Understanding these structures helps readers follow complex sentences and grasp the relationships between ideas.

Verbal Reasoning

Verbal reasoning allows readers to interpret deeper meaning in language.

It helps children understand figurative language, such as metaphors, idioms, and similes. For example, when a story says someone is “as busy as a bee,” readers must recognize that the phrase describes activity, not an actual bee.

Literacy Knowledge

Literacy knowledge refers to understanding how different types of texts work.

Children learn the difference between fiction and nonfiction, recognize story structures, and become familiar with genres such as biographies, poetry, and informational texts.

Experiencing a wide variety of reading materials helps develop this knowledge.

Helping Your Child Become a Confident Reader

Strong readers aren’t born, they’re built through practice, guidance, and the gradual development of many different skills.

When children receive the right support, the strands of their reading rope become stronger and more connected. Over time, reading becomes more automatic, comprehension improves, and confidence grows.

With the right strategies and encouragement, children move beyond simply learning to read and begin reading to learn, opening the door to lifelong learning and curiosity.

Find a location near you to learn how we can help your child build stronger reading skills.

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In reality, reading and listening both support comprehension, but they develop different academic skills. Understanding how they work helps students learn more effectively and helps parents make better choices about tutoring and study strategies.

How the Brain Processes Reading

When students read, a lot more is happening than just “looking at words on a page.” When students read, their brains must:

• Recognize letters and words
• Connect written text to sounds and meaning
• Track ideas across sentences and paragraphs
• Use visual cues like headings, punctuation, and spacing

Unlike listening, reading allows students to control the pace. They can pause, reread, highlight, or take notes, all of which support deeper understanding. This is important for complex subjects like math word problems, science texts, and nonfiction reading assignments.

Strong reading skills are closely linked to academic success, which is why reading remains a core focus in effective tutoring programs.

How Listening Supports Learning

Listening to audiobooks, lectures, videos, podcasts, and other media engages language comprehension in different ways. Students must process information in real time and rely on memory to hold onto ideas as new information arrives.

Audio learning can be helpful for:

• Students who struggle with decoding or fluency
• Reinforcing concepts already introduced in class
• Building background knowledge
• Improving engagement with stories and novels

However, listening becomes more challenging when the material is unfamiliar or highly detailed. Without a visual structure, it’s harder to revisit specific points or analyze information closely.

Set your child up with the right study skills—

Attention Matters More Than Format

One major difference between reading and listening is how students use them. Reading usually requires full focus. Listening is often paired with multitasking, scrolling on a phone, doing chores, or gaming.

consistently shows that divided attention lowers comprehension. In tutoring sessions, we often see students who “listened to the chapter” but can’t explain key ideas afterward. The issue isn’t the format, it’s the level of focus.

For listening to be effective, students need to treat it as active learning: pausing, replaying, and taking notes when needed.

When Listening Is the Right Choice

Audio-based learning can be a powerful support tool when used intentionally. Listening is recommended when:

• Students have reading difficulties or learning differences
• Audio is paired with the written text (such as subtitles)
• Students are reviewing previously learned material
• The goal is exposure and engagement, not skill-building

Used intentionally, audiobooks can help to increase confidence and motivation, especially for those who don’t enjoy reading.

Why Reading Still Matters for Academic Success

Even with excellent audio tools available, reading is essential for school performance. Tests, assignments, and classroom instruction rely heavily on written material. Students must be able to understand directions, analyze texts, and work independently.

Reading also builds:

• Concentration and stamina
• Vocabulary and comprehension
• Critical thinking and problem-solving

These skills are foundational and improve with guided practice, especially when supported by personalized tutoring.

The Best Learning Strategy: Use Both Reading and Listening

The most successful students don’t choose between reading and listening; they learn how to use both effectively.

• Read first to build understanding
• Listen second to reinforce ideas
• Use audio support when decoding is a challenge
• Practice reading regularly to build long-term skills

Need Help with Reading and Listening?

Both listening and reading support learning in different ways. When students understand how to use both intentionally, often with guidance from an experienced tutor, they get better results.

If your child is struggling with reading comprehension, attention, or study skills, targeted tutoring support can make all the difference.

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The most recent shows that:

• Only 51% of Grade 6 students met the provincial math standard
• Just 58% of Grade 9 students reached the expected level in math

These numbers represent a slight improvement over last year; the province has acknowledged that student progress remains “not enough.” In fact, the low results have triggered a system-wide review of Ontario’s curriculum, provincial tests, and classroom resources—a process expected to continue into 2026. Although this data originates from the province of Ontario, these numbers are observed across Canada.

Why This Matters for Families

Large-scale assessments like these don’t just reflect scores; they reflect skills, and those skills directly impact classroom performance, confidence, and long-term academic success.

The concern is simple:
If half of the students are not meeting grade-level expectations in math, many will begin the new year at a disadvantage. As teachers catch up on curriculum demands and class sizes remain high, students with learning gaps risk falling even further behind.

What’s Behind the Results for Math and Reading?

While there could be various reasons for these results, some contributing factors highlighted by educators and policymakers include:

• Curriculum gaps and possible misalignment between what’s taught and what is tested
• Underfunded classroom supports leading to less individualized attention
• Larger class sizes make it harder for teachers to identify and address each student’s needs
• Persistent post-pandemic learning gaps that continue to affect foundational skills

Regardless of the cause, the takeaway is the same: students need stronger, more targeted support, particularly in math and reading.

Why January Is a Critical Turning Point

The post-holiday period is when many students experience a “learning slide.” Returning to school after a long break can reveal academic gaps that were previously overlooked.

Combine this with the assessment results, and January becomes a make-or-break moment:

• Gaps widen quickly
• Report cards are around the corner
• Skills and confidence often dip after the break
• Students may begin to feel discouraged or overwhelmed

Early intervention now in math and reading can prevent a year of catch-up later.

How Extra Support Helps Math and Reading

Targeted academic support does what large classrooms often can’t:

• Builds strong foundational skills
• Addresses specific gaps, one-on-one
• Helps students gain confidence and momentum
• Reinforces curriculum expectations
• Prepares students for the next round of assessments
• Reduces school-related stress for families

Students who receive consistent support in January often show measurable improvement by spring, especially in math and reading, where skill-building is cumulative.

What Families Can Do Next

While school boards and governments work to review curriculum, standards, and testing, students still need help right now. Parents don’t have to wait for system-wide change to give their child a strong academic start to 2026.

Whether your child is:

• Below grade level
• Struggling with confidence
• Doing “okay” but capable of more
• Frustrated by homework and tests

Early, personalized support can change the trajectory of their school year.

91°”Íű Can Help with Math and Reading

At 91°”Íű, we specialize in building stronger thinkers, not just better test-takers.

Our programs help students develop:

• Solid math and reading foundations
• Critical thinking and learning skills
• Confidence and motivation
• Lasting academic independence

With customized programs for every grade and skill level, we help students close gaps, gain momentum, and feel ready for the challenges of the new year.

If your child is feeling the impact of this year’s results, now is the time to act.

Book a free consultation and start the year with confidence.

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The Print Advantage: What Science Says

Studies show that reading print books leads to better reading comprehension and deeper learning compared to digital reading. A found that students who read on paper consistently scored higher on comprehension tests than those who read the same material on screens. Researchers call this the “screen inferiority effect”—meaning that digital reading leads to lower information retention and understanding.

The Screen Inferiority Effect

The Screen Inferiority Effect refers to the phenomenon where people tend to comprehend and retain less information when reading on screens compared to reading on paper. It has been widely found that screen readers consistently score lower on reading comprehension tests than paper readers.

Why Does This Happen?

The three main reasons why this happens are: 

• Cognitive Overload – Screens encourage multitasking and scrolling, which can disrupt deep comprehension.
• Lack of Mental Mapping – Physical books provide spatial cues (e.g., turning pages and text placement) that help with memory and information recall.
• Tendency to Skim – Readers on screens are more likely to scan text instead of engaging in careful, analytical reading.

Who Is Most Affected?

While this effect impacts all age groups, younger readers are particularly vulnerable. Studies show that children who primarily read on screens develop weaker reading comprehension skills compared to those who engage with print books.

The Impact on Young Readers

The way children read has an even bigger impact. shows that children who grow up with access to physical books complete an average of three additional years of education compared to those who do not. In contrast, studies have found no such correlation between e-books and academic success.

Additionally, an found that children who spend more time reading books have stronger brain connections in areas related to language and cognitive control. Meanwhile, children who spend more time using screens show fewer of these crucial connections.

Screens and Attention—A Hidden Challenge

Screens can also impact students’ attention spans. A of preschoolers compared two groups:

• Group A) Listened to a story read from a physical book with an adult
• Group B) Watched the same story on a screen with audio narration

Six weeks later, the children who watched the story on screen performed significantly worse on attention tests and exhibited brain wave patterns similar to children with ADHD.

For older students, using eye-tracking technology revealed that those reading print texts approached the material more carefully, frequently re-reading important details. In contrast, students reading on screens tended to skim, leading to lower reading comprehension scores.

What Can Parents Do?

Given the overwhelming evidence in favour of print reading, how can you, as a parent, help your child build better reading comprehension habits? Here are some tips to use:

• Encourage print reading at home: Having physical books readily available encourages deeper reading and better retention. 
• Balance screen time with paper reading: While screens are unavoidable, setting aside daily time for print reading can reinforce strong literacy skills.
• Use print materials for studying: Students should opt for printed study guides and notes whenever possible when preparing for exams to improve their reading comprehension.
• Model print reading: When children see parents reading physical books, they are more likely to develop the same habit.

The Role of Tutoring in Building Strong Reading Comprehension Skills

We understand the importance of developing strong reading comprehension skills. Our tutors incorporate research-backed cognitive strategies to help students improve their reading abilities, whether it’s through guided reading sessions, print-based study materials, or customized learning plans that reinforce deep reading habits.

While we believe that technology has its place in education, research shows that reading on paper is still the best way to support lasting learning and academic success. By making small shifts toward print reading, students can build stronger literacy skills. They can also improve reading comprehension and set themselves up for long-term success.

Want to help your child develop better reading comprehension skills? Contact us today to learn how our tutoring programs can support their learning journey!

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The Flawed Theory: Three Cueing System

The “three cueing” theory, popularized in the 1960s, suggests that readers use three cues to figure out unfamiliar words:

• Graphic cues – Looking at letters or word shapes to guess the word.
• Syntactic cues – Analyzing sentence structure to predict what the word could be.
• Semantic cues – Using context clues to determine what the word might mean.

While this may seem logical, research in cognitive science, including by experts like Stanislas Dehaene and Mark Seidenberg, has shown that this approach does not teach children the critical skills they need to decode words accurately. Instead, the three-cueing system encourages guessing, leading to slow reading development and long-term struggles with literacy.

The Impact: Three Cueing’s Cycle of Struggle

Many children face this challenge without realizing it. A child could be excelling in school but struggled with reading. They memorize words and rely on context clues to get by, but they never truly learn how to decode words. This story is not unique—many children who seem to be progressing in early grades later struggle when reading becomes more complex.

When children are taught to guess words instead of sounding them out using a phonetic approach, they risk falling into a cycle of reading difficulties that can impact their academic success and self-confidence. shows that students with weak reading skills are more likely to fall behind in other subjects, disengage from learning, and even experience long-term effects on their career opportunities and personal growth.

What Actually Works: Phonics-Based Instruction

So, what is the solution? 

The answer is phonics-based instruction, which teaches children to break words into individual sounds and letters. This evidence-based approach aligns with how our brains naturally process language, helping children read unfamiliar words with confidence and accuracy.

Phonics instruction doesn’t just teach students how to read—it empowers them to become independent, skilled readers. Unlike guessing strategies, phonics provides the tools to decode any word, ensuring long-term reading success.

Find out why

How Parents Can Help

If your child is struggling with reading, it’s not too late to get them on the right path. Here’s what you can do:

• Look for phonics-based reading programs – Choose a tutoring program at 91°”Íű, which prioritizes sound-letter relationships over guessing strategies.
• Read with your child daily – encourage them to sound out words rather than guessing.
• Ask your child’s teacher about their approach. If your child’s school still uses three cueing, advocate for phonics instruction.

At 91°”Íű, we specialize in personalized, phonics-based instruction to help children overcome reading challenges. With the right guidance and resources, your child can develop the skills needed to become a confident reader.

A Path to Reading Success

Reading is more than just a skill—it’s the gateway to learning. By moving beyond outdated methods and embracing phonics-based instruction, we can give children the tools they need to unlock a world of knowledge and opportunity.

If you’re concerned about your child’s reading progress, don’t wait. With the right support at 91°”Íű, you can turn frustration into confidence, and every child deserves to experience the joy of reading success.

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The Role of Tech in Supporting Readers

Traditional teaching methods aren’t always enough for many students who struggle with reading fluency, comprehension, or decoding. That’s where tools like , , and come into play. These technologies are created to offer features such as text highlighting, auditory support, and scaffolding that can make reading more accessible and engaging for those who need extra support.

• Noah Text is a text-to-speech software designed to assist individuals with reading difficulties, such as those with dyslexia or other learning challenges. It helps users by reading aloud digital text, which can make reading more accessible.
• Learning Ally provides a comprehensive library of audiobooks and other resources to support students with learning disabilities, such as dyslexia. The Learning Ally platform offers access to human-narrated audiobooks, which can be paired with text highlighting and other features to improve accessibility.
• Voice Dream Reader is a mobile app that provides customizable text-to-speech playback, catering to individual preferences and needs. Its design assists individuals with reading difficulties, such as those with dyslexia or anyone who prefers auditory learning.

These tools can help struggling students build their confidence and reading endurance, giving them a way to access and understand texts they might normally find too difficult.

Why the Basics in Reading Still Matter

While technology can be a reliable aid in learning to read, it should not be the primary resource for reading instruction. Phonics-based instruction has repeatedly been proven to be the preferred approach to building strong reading skills. The phonetic approach teaches students how letters and sounds work together so they can figure out words they don’t know and improve their reading. For many students struggling with reading, this step is the key to improving reading skills.

Tutors who understand structured literacy can adapt their teaching style to fit each student. This helps kids learn the basics of reading and become confident readers. They start easy and slowly build to more complex texts, which builds reading confidence and sets kids up for success in the long run!

Combining Tech in Reading with Phonics for Maximum Impact

A personalized tutoring program can combine individualized reading instruction supplemented with the latest supportive technology. Here’s how to create an effective blend:

• Teachers and tutors can use phonics in lessons, and students and parents can use tools like Noah Text or Learning Ally at home for extra support
• Parents can encourage their children to read more by using regular books and tech that helps with understanding, such as apps with decodable text or interactive reading exercises.
• Librarians and tutors can provide resources for different learning needs, ensuring students have access to phonics programs and tech in reading tools.

This balanced approach helps students build core skills while enjoying the helpful benefits of technology.

Why Balance Matters

Whether it’s tutoring or school, we want students to be confident and independent readers. Tech in reading can help close some gaps, but leaning on it too much stops students from getting the skills they need to succeed. For lasting results, we need a balanced approach that stresses phonics and structured literacy while supplementing skills and enjoying the flexibility and engaging features of technology.

Supporting Your Child’s Reading Journey

At 91°”Íű, we know every student can become a great reader. Our reading programs help students build a strong foundation in basic reading skills using a phonetic approach.

Whether your child struggles with dyslexia, fluency, or understanding what they read, our tutors are here to help them build the skills they need to succeed—not just in reading but in life! Focusing on the basics and using personalized solutions creates a space where all readers can thrive.

Start today and see how our personalized approach to reading can help your child.

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Starting the reading journey is an exciting milestone. The first step? Take a trip to the library and let your child choose a few books. This builds a sense of ownership and excitement, sparking an early love for reading. But beyond selecting books, the method you use to teach reading plays an even more critical role. 

The Debate: Phonics vs. Whole Language

Reading instruction falls into two categories: phonics and . Phonics teaches children to break words down into sounds, or “,” which are then blended to form words. This method mirrors how children naturally learn language: by listening, distinguishing sounds, and eventually combining them to create meaning.

Whole language, on the other hand, treats words as entire units to be memorized rather than broken down. However, this method can be confusing for young children. Imagine trying to memorize thousands of words by sight alone! This approach can feel counterintuitive for children, relying on memorization instead of comprehension.

Why Phonics Works

Phonics aligns with the way kids naturally learn language. By understanding that words are made up of individual sounds, they develop the ability to decode new words. This gives them the tools to tackle unfamiliar words independently, boosting their reading confidence.

Phonics also encourages precision and persistence. Rather than guessing a word’s meaning, phonics encourages children to “sound it out.” This skill translates into better problem-solving and critical thinking abilities in reading and other subjects.

Why Whole Language Falls Short

The whole language approach can limit a child’s reading progress because it relies on memorizing entire words rather than breaking them down into sounds. While this method can help children recognize a few familiar words, it doesn’t equip them to decode new words independently.

Whole language often encourages guessing based on pictures or context, which can lead to frustration as texts become more complex. Without the tools to sound out new words, children may struggle, impacting both their reading skills and their confidence. Over time, this can diminish their interest in reading altogether.

Phonics provides children with a roadmap for understanding words logically. By learning to break words into sounds, young readers gain the skills they need to read independently, building confidence, independence, and a true love for reading.

Building Strong Readers with Phonics

Opt for a phonics-based approach to give your child the best start in reading. Encourage them to focus on the sounds in words and practise “sounding out” letters and combinations. Not only does this lead to stronger reading skills, but it fosters a mindset of persistence and curiosity.

For over 40 years, 91°”Íű’s Little Readers program has helped young readers develop confidence and foundational skills through phonics. With a strong base in phonics, children don’t just become great readers—they become lifelong learners.

So, take a trip to the library, pick up a few books, and start reading. With phonics as your guide, your child is on the path to success.

If you find that your child is struggling with reading, 91°”Íű can help.

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Originally published July 2010. Updated 2024

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Surprisingly, the most critical year is much earlier in a child’s development. According to , the single most important academic year for children is actually third grade. 

The Importance of Third Grade

So, why is third grade so significant? 

It’s the year when students transition from learning to read to reading to learn. This shift may seem subtle, but it has profound implications for a child’s academic progress. In earlier grades, the focus is on mastering the basics of reading—decoding words, understanding sentence structure, and developing early comprehension skills. By third grade, the expectation changes dramatically. Students are now expected to use their reading skills as a tool to access knowledge in every other subject.

Reading comprehension becomes a gateway to learning from science to social studies and even math. Without strong reading skills, students can struggle to grasp new concepts, leading to difficulties in subjects that might not seem directly connected to literacy. For example, a math problem that involves word problems requires strong reading comprehension to decode and solve effectively. As students progress, academic success increasingly hinges on their ability to read and understand complex texts.

Third Grade as a Predictor of Future Success

The research supports the idea that third grade is a key turning point. have shown that students who are not reading proficiently by the end of third grade are more likely to struggle in later academic years. In fact, according to the article, students who fail to meet reading requirements by the end of this year are at a higher risk of falling behind. Reading proficiency at this stage has even been linked to long-term success in both education and the workforce.

This is why many educators, tutors, and even policymakers place such importance on third grade. It’s the year that often determines a child’s future academic path. Schools, tutoring centres, and educators devote additional resources to ensuring students are proficient in reading by the end of this year, knowing that it can make all the difference in the years to come.

How Can Parents Support Their Third Grader?

Given the importance of third grade, parents have an opportunity to play a key role in their child’s success during this critical year. 

Here are some strategies to consider to help support your third grader.

1. Encourage Daily Reading: The more students read, the more comfortable they become with the written word. Set aside time for daily reading, whether it’s independent or shared reading time. Make reading fun by choosing books that align with your child’s interests.
   
2. Ask Questions: After your child reads, ask them about the story. Encourage them to summarize what they’ve read or predict what might happen next. This strengthens comprehension skills and helps them engage more deeply with the text. 
   
3. Get a Tutor: If your child is struggling or if you simply want to ensure they are fully prepared, tutoring can be an invaluable tool. Tutors, like those at 91°”Íű, can provide personalized attention and focus on areas where your child needs extra help, ensuring they don’t fall behind during this critical year. Learn more about tutoring here.
   
4. Create a Reading-Rich Environment: Surround your child with opportunities to read. Keep books, magazines, or even educational apps readily available. By making reading a regular part of your child’s life, you help them develop a love for learning that can last a lifetime.
   
5. Stay in Communication with Teachers and Tutors: Teachers and tutors are key partners in your child’s educational journey. Regularly check in with them to see how your child is progressing. Both teachers and tutors can offer insights into areas of strength and areas where improvement is needed, allowing you to address any issues before they become major roadblocks.

Why Tutoring is Important in Third Grade?

Tutoring is especially important in third grade because it ensures that students are keeping up with the demands of this crucial year. A tutor can work closely with your child to identify any gaps in their reading abilities, providing focused instruction that may not always be possible in a busy classroom setting. With support, students can strengthen their reading comprehension and feel more confident as they tackle increasingly complex materials across all subjects.

For students who are already excelling, tutoring can provide enrichment opportunities. Advanced reading exercises, comprehension challenges, and exposure to more difficult texts can keep them engaged and push their abilities even further.

Want to Learn More?

To read the full Time News article and gain a deeper understanding of the importance of third grade is such a crucial turning point, click . 

If you’re looking for ways to support your child’s academic success during this important year, check out our Elementary School Tutoring Guide. In it, you’ll find tips, strategies, and resources designed to help students excel in third grade and beyond.

Updated. This post was originally published in 2012.

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Simply put, books compete with screens for attention, both in the classroom and at home.

Even seasoned novel readers report finding it challenging to shut out distractions and sustain focus on a book. The reason has to do with how our brains process reading.

Reading is Hard

According to Maryann Wolf, director of the Center for Dyslexia, Diverse Learners and Social Justice, we are not born with intrinsic brain wiring for reading the way we are with vision or scent. We all build . Like any skill, building strong offline reading skills takes both effort and practice.

Basically, reading is hard and slow, and your phone has programmed your brain to want quick and easy.

Wolf says that the ability to deep read—read intentionally and for a long period of time—reflects the brain’s ability to go beyond its natural state. She also says that the more we read online, the more our neural pathways develop screen reading as a preference. So it’s no wonder that students find offline reading more challenging that it used to be.

Online Reading and Your Brain

When we read online, our natural inclination is to skim; our eyes jump around the page, searching for what we are looking for. We search, we browse. We rarely read line by line, taking in the words. The more we read online, the more skimming becomes the natural way to read.

Our brains become wired to prefer skimming. Unfortunately, skimming is a less deep process, leading to less retention and recall. Skimming is a natural part of the digital world we live in. Book reading is the opposite of the world we live in. It is slow, deliberate, and time-consuming.

Students might think they have poor reading skills because they find deep reading challenging. They likely avoid it for this same reason. The reality is that even highly skilled readers can struggle with this process. Just because students find reading for a long period challenging does not mean they are not good at it. () 

Even in a digital world, reading deeply is a very valuable skill.

Deep Reading

Deep reading is a thoughtful and deliberate process that can deepen comprehension. It’s a slow process. that involves many complex cognitive skills that work together to build understanding, including deductive reasoning, analysis, reflection, and insight.

Reading deeply is a process of expanding your mind—quite literally. The more students practise this skill, the more neural connections they build to make this process easier.

Tips to Help Students Build Stronger Reading Skills for Deep Reading

Putting away the phone and being intentional about building reading takes commitment and discipline, but it is possible. Here are six ways to rebuild deep reading skills:

1. Be uncomfortable. Understand that being deliberate about avoiding technology to focus on reading might feel uncomfortable. The brain has been trained by smartphones and other influences to want immediacy. You are fighting against a built-up habit.
2. Reduce Distractions. Notice when thoughts drift. When you find your mind has wandered, take note and redirect back to the page.
3. Make notes as you read. Writing while reading engages more areas of the brain and makes reading active, which boosts comprehension.
4. Go at your own pace. There is no rush to read quickly.
5. Set a timer. Read for 20 undistracted minutes and increase time incrementally.
6. Practice often. Read slowly and deliberately.

Help your student build stronger reading skills with help from 91°”Íű. Contact a location near you to learn more.

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