How to Help Your Child Practice English Reading: Overcoming Reading Difficulties in Grade 5 and Above

Last week, we had a conversation with a parent who was concerned about their son – Let’s say Prakash – a bright 5th grader who was struggling with English reading. The parent shared how Prakash’ teacher called, saying he was falling behind and that it started affecting his confidence. “By grade 5, kids should be reading English fluently, but Prakash just isn’t keeping up” said the teacher. The school suggested extra English tutoring or testing, which made the parent worry even more. At home, they’d noticed that Prakash was avoiding books, hesitating over words other kids breeze through, and growing more frustrated with each reading assignment. Even though Prakash was trying his hardest, English reading tasks took him twice as long, and his self-esteem was beginning to suffer.

This situation isn’t uncommon, and it highlights the challenges that many parents of older kids face when their child is struggling with reading. If you find yourself in a similar situation, here are some practical strategies that can help your child practice English reading, overcoming reading challenges and regain confidence in their abilities.

1. Spotting the Specific Reading Challenges

The first step is to identify exactly what’s causing the reading difficulty. In grade 5 and above, reading struggles can range from difficulty in decoding words, issues with reading fluency, or trouble comprehending English texts. Speak with your child’s teacher to gain insights into their reading assessments, and if needed, consider a specialized reading evaluation.

For example, with Prakash, his English teacher mentioned that while he could sound out words, he often struggled with fluency, which made it hard for him to understand the full meaning of what he read. Once we knew that, we could focus on the specific issue rather than just assuming it was a general problem with reading.

2. Establish a Consistent Reading Routine

To improve reading skills, consistency is key. Create a daily reading routine that fits into your child’s schedule without overwhelming them. Aim for 20 to 30 minutes of reading time each day, but be flexible. Let your child help choose what to read, whether it’s a book, an article, or even comics—anything that captures their interest and keeps them engaged.

For Prakash, this meant setting aside 20 minutes every evening to read together. We mixed up the reading materials—some days it was short stories, other times it was sports magazines he enjoyed. This variety helped reduce his frustration and made English reading feel more approachable.

3. Use Audiobooks to Boost Confidence

If fluency or comprehension is a challenge, audiobooks can be a fantastic tool. Listening while following along with the text can help your child hear the correct pace and pronunciation, allowing them to process information without the added pressure of decoding every word. This is especially useful for kids in grade 5 and beyond, as they often face longer and more complex English reading material.

For Prakash, listening to audiobooks helped him grasp stories more easily. He would follow along with the printed book, and over time, this boosted his fluency because he could see and hear the words simultaneously.

4. Focus on Vocabulary Building

As students move into higher grades, their vocabulary needs to expand. Reading difficulties often arise because the child doesn’t understand the more advanced words they encounter in texts. Introducing new words regularly—through reading, conversations, or even word games—can strengthen their vocabulary and improve comprehension.

We worked with Prakash on vocabulary in a fun, non-intimidating way. For example, when we came across an unfamiliar English word in a story, we would stop and talk about its meaning. We also introduced him to word games like Scrabble, which he loved, and it became a natural way for him to learn new English words.

5. Encourage Active Reading

Help your child develop active reading strategies, like highlighting important information, jotting down notes, or asking questions as they read. This helps them engage with the text, improving their understanding and retention. Load the reading sessions with activities such as summarizing the key ideas, answering the questions, or even drawing a picture.

With Prakash, we practiced breaking larger passage into smaller chunks. After each section, we’d discuss what happened and ask questions like, “What do you think will happen next?”, “Why did the character do that?”, or “What would you do if you were…?”

This interactive approach helped him connect better with the material.

6. Be Patient and Celebrate Small Wins

Reading difficulties can’t be solved overnight, and it’s important to be patient. Celebrate the small victories, like reading a few extra pages without frustration or finishing a book. Acknowledge the effort, not just the results. When kids feel their hard work is being recognized, they’re more likely to stay motivated.

For Prakash, these small wins made a big difference. After completing his first chapter book, he asked ‘Miss! Can we do Harry Potter next?’. Acknowledging his victory helps him built confidence, and drives him to move forward.

7. Work with Teachers and Tutors

If your child’s reading difficulties persist, consider enlisting additional help. Teachers can offer tailored support in the classroom, and a private English tutor can provide one-on-one attention to address specific areas of struggle. A tutor experienced in working with older students, like Prakash, can design personalized reading strategies to help them succeed.

In Prakash’ case, we worked together in sessions focused on fluency and comprehension strategies. His confidence grew as his skills improved, and his school work began reflecting this process.

Helping your child overcome reading difficulties in grade 5 and beyond requires patience, targeted strategies, and encouragement. Whether it’s understanding the specific challenges they face, creating a routine, or utilizing tools like audiobooks, these can help your child regain their confidence and improve their English reading skills over time.

If you’re navigating a similar journey with your child, know that you’re not alone—and with the right support, they can overcome their reading struggles and succeed academically and beyond.