As educators and literacy specialists at Halifax Learning, we’ve supported hundreds of families whose children were quietly struggling with reading, sometimes without even realizing it. The truth is, reading difficulties often stay hidden until a child’s confidence or motivation starts to fade. The good news? With the right support, meaningful progress is not only possible—it’s expected.
Here are five signs your child may be struggling with reading, and what you can do to help, starting today.
When reading is difficult, kids often avoid it altogether. If your child pushes back at reading time or becomes easily frustrated, it may be more than just disinterest.
Our advice:
Make reading a shared experience. Read aloud together and choose books that are slightly below their grade level to build fluency and enjoyment.
If your child guesses at words, skips them, or struggles with sounding out unfamiliar ones, this may point to a gap in phonological processing—the foundation of reading.
How we help:
Our SpellRead program is specifically designed to strengthen these core skills through structured, evidence-based instruction that gets results.
Struggles with spelling and written expression often go hand-in-hand with reading challenges. If your child finds writing overwhelming, it might be due to weak foundational literacy skills.
What you can do:
Encourage creative writing at home and look for patterns in spelling errors. If concerns continue, we recommend a professional assessment to better understand their needs.
Even bright, capable kids can struggle to keep pace when reading isn’t clicking. If teachers mention your child is below expected levels—or you notice it yourself—it’s important to act.
Don’t wait:
The earlier we address reading difficulties, the easier they are to correct. At Halifax Learning, we offer free, no-obligation assessments to help families understand where their child is and what support is needed.
The emotional toll of reading challenges can be just as significant as the academic toll. Children may feel anxious, embarrassed, or believe they’re “not smart,” which can affect all areas of learning.
What we see:
At Halifax Learning, we often witness students transform—not just in reading, but in self-esteem. With the right tools, they rediscover joy and confidence in learning.
Reading struggles are more common than many parents realize—and they are solvable with the right approach. The earlier we intervene, the better the outcome for your child.
At Halifax Learning, our mission is to empower children with the skills and confidence they need to succeed. Our team is here to guide you every step of the way.
👉 Click here to book a free consultation and learn how our SpellRead program can help your child thrive.