For most families, the first day of school is filled with excitement.
But for parents of struggling readers or those with dyslexia, those same moments can also bring a familiar question:
“Will this year be different?”
If your child struggled with reading last year, it’s natural to worry about the new school year.
The encouraging news is this: the first month of school offers an opportunity to establish routines, build confidence, and create momentum that can last the entire year.
Research consistently shows that children make the greatest gains when schools and families work together. During those first 30 days, small, intentional actions at home can make a big, meaningful difference.
Here are practical, research-backed strategies to help your child start the school year with confidence.
If you’re wondering how to help a struggling reader start the school year, the answer isn’t to squeeze in extra worksheets before bedtime.
Instead, begin by building relationships.
Before concerns arise, introduce yourself to your child’s teacher. Share information about your child’s strengths, challenges, and the strategies that have (and haven’t) worked in the past.
If your child has accommodations, discuss how they’ll be implemented from the first week rather than waiting until difficulties emerge.
Organizations like Understood.org and the National Center on Improving Literacy emphasize that consistent partnership between home and school helps children receive more coordinated support.
It’s also important to prepare your child emotionally.
Rather than saying, “I hope reading is easier this year,” try asking:
These conversations remind children that they are active participants in their education. They also communicate an important message:
Struggling with reading isn’t something to hide. It’s something we work through together.
The transition back to school doesn’t have to be overwhelming. A few simple routines can reduce stress while helping children feel prepared each day.
Children, especially those who struggle with reading or who have dyslexia, often thrive on consistency.
So …
Predictable routines reduce the amount of mental energy spent on transitions, leaving more learning capacity.
Many parents stop reading aloud once they believe their children can read independently.
But reading aloud exposes children to richer vocabulary, stronger comprehension, and more complex stories than they may be able to decode on their own. It also reminds them that books are meant to be enjoyable, not just assignments.
Even 15 to 20 minutes each evening can make a difference.
Audiobooks are not “cheating.”
In fact, experts frequently recommend pairing audiobooks with printed text because children can build background knowledge, vocabulary, and comprehension while continuing to develop decoding skills through explicit instruction.
The goal isn’t simply to teach children to read words.
It’s to help them become readers who love learning.
Rushed mornings often create unnecessary anxiety before students even enter the classroom.
These small habits create emotional predictability that helps children feel secure.
One of the biggest misconceptions parents have is believing they need to become their child’s reading teacher.
You don’t.
Your most important role is creating an environment where reading feels safe, encouraging, and worthwhile.
When supporting a struggling reader at home, focus on meaningful literacy experiences instead of lengthy practice sessions.
That might include:
These activities reinforce reading in authentic, low-pressure ways.
Just as importantly, praise effort instead of perfection.
Instead of saying:
“You’re so smart.”
Try saying:
“I noticed how you kept trying even when that word was difficult.”
That subtle shift encourages a growth mindset, helping children understand that persistence, not perfection, leads to progress.
It’s completely normal to experience first weeks of school reading struggles.
New teachers, unfamiliar routines, and higher expectations can temporarily affect every student’s performance.
The key is knowing the difference between normal adjustment and signs that additional support may be needed.
Pay attention if your child consistently:
These comments often reflect frustration rather than ability.
According to the International Dyslexia Association, dyslexia is a neurobiological difference that affects how the brain processes written language. It is not related to intelligence, motivation, or effort.
Children with dyslexia can become highly successful readers when they receive evidence-based, structured literacy instruction combined with consistent support at home.
If concerns continue beyond the first few weeks, schedule a conversation with your child’s teacher rather than waiting until report cards arrive.
Early conversations often prevent bigger problems later.
At Roberts Academy, we know that children with dyslexia don’t need lower expectations. They need instruction that matches the way they learn.
Through explicit, structured, multisensory literacy instruction and small class sizes, our students build the skills and confidence they need to become successful readers and learners. Just as importantly, they discover that dyslexia does not define their potential.
The first 30 days of school won’t determine the entire year.
But they can establish routines, relationships, and confidence that make every month afterward more successful.
If you’re looking for a school that understands how children with dyslexia learn best, we’d love to help.
Located in Macon, Georgia, and serving students in grades 2-7, Roberts Academy at Mercer University is Georgia’s only school outside of Metro Atlanta specifically designed for students with dyslexia.
The mission of the Academy is to prepare students with dyslexia to achieve academic success through multi-sensory instruction and dynamic educational programs.
The Academy is a transitional school and uses the Orton-Gillingham Approach, a multi-sensory way of teaching, to remediate its students so that they can return to a traditional school of their choice.
To learn more about the Academy or to schedule a tour, visit www.robertsacademy.org.
Discover Roberts Academy at Mercer University in Macon, Georgia!