Are you looking for strategies to help students who cannot finish learning activities because of reading issues? If so, keep reading.
1. Minimize the amount of information on a page (e.g., less print to read, fewer images on the page, isolate information that is presented to the student) if it is visually distracting for the student.
2. Get the student to read content to the teacher to ascertain if it is on their reading level.
3. Get the student to use their finger to point to words that are being read. The teacher should observe as the student points to the words while reading. This would help to ascertain the causes of slow reading.
4. Minimize the student’s anxiety level by not requiring the student to finish a reading task within a specific period.
5. Teach the student that work not done during work time must be finished at other times such as free time, recess, after school, etc.
6. Get the student to question any directions, explanations, or instructions they do not understand.
7. Select a peer to model how to finish tasks for the student.
8. Assess the appropriateness of the task to ascertain (a) if the task is too easy, (b) if the task is too complicated, and (c) if the duration of time scheduled to finish the task is sufficient.
9. Connect with parents to disseminate information about the student’s progress. The parents may reinforce the student at home for finishing tasks at school.
10. Draft an agreement with the student stipulating what behavior is required (e.g., finishing tasks) and which reinforcement will be implemented when the agreement has been met.
11. Praise the student for finishing tasks based on the number of times they can be successful. As the student shows success, slowly increase the number of times required for reinforcement.
12. Praise the student for finishing tasks: (a) give the student a concrete reward (e.g., privileges such as leading the line, handing out learning materials, 10 minutes of free time, etc.) or (b) give the student an informal reward (e.g., praise, handshake, smile, etc.).
13. Create classroom rules: • Complete every assignment. • Complete assignments quietly. • Remain in your seat. • Finish tasks. • Meet task expectations. Examine rules often. Praise students for following the rules.
14. Praise those students in the classroom who finish tasks.
15. Converse with the student to explain (a) what they are doing wrong (e.g., failing to finish tasks) and (b) what they must be doing (e.g., finishing tasks).
16. Consider using AI to teach reading comprehension.
17. Consider using Alexa to teach reading skills.
18. Try using one of our many apps designed to teach literacy skills and help students with reading issues:
10 Apps That Teach Your Child to Read
7 Must-Have Apps to Make Learners Love Reading
7 Must-Have Phonics Apps and Tools
9 Reading Apps and Tools for the Elementary Classroom
The Tech Edvocate’s List of 24 Literacy Apps, Tools & Resources
