How to Help Struggling Readers Without Embarrassing Them

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Struggling readers in middle and high school might pretend to read or might act out. On the U.S. "Nation's Report Card," about two-thirds of fourth and eighth graders are not yet reading proficiently. Two-thirds! But these students don't want to be seen with a babyish-looking book or for anyone to know they're struggling. Not wanting to embarrass kids can make it tough to reach and help these readers.

In today's show, Louise Baigelman, founder and CEO of Storyshares, explains how we can help older students without embarrassing them. Louise started as a Teach for America teacher working with newcomer students, and she built a library of high-interest stories written at the reading levels older students need. Her work has been honored by Forbes 30 Under 30 and the Library of Congress. She shares the mistakes well-meaning teachers make, the cues to watch for, and something you can do tomorrow morning.

I hope this adds to the conversation about what we can do to help every child be a proficient reader. This is an important topic!

What you'll learn:

  • Why a newcomer student picked a book she couldn't read and said she loved it
  • What changes for students after third grade
  • Whether a first-grade reading program will help a ninth grader
  • The classroom behavior that may really be a reading cue
  • A 20-second conversation that helps a struggling reader feel seen

If this episode helped you think about your struggling readers, please leave a review wherever you're listening. It helps other teachers find the show.

Full show notes, transcript, and resources: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e1028


Check out this episode!

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