Literacy Delays (Reading and Writing) Facts and Important Information For Parents

Is your child having problems reading and writing? If yes, here’s what you need to know. For you to understand literacy delays in-depth, let's first define literacy.

Literacy is the ability to read/write or use language proficiently. It’s worth noting that children go through language milestones during the first few years of development. During this period, children learn essential skills before they can be able to read and write. These skills include but aren’t limited to; book awareness, phonological awareness, letter-sound correspondence, decoding (sounding words out) and sight word recognition. These skills pave the way for children’s ability to read and write (learn in general). If a child takes longer than expected to learn these skills, he/she may be said to be experiencing literacy delays.

Literacy delays are known to inhibit learning abilities as well as cause behaviour problems. Research studies indicate that literacy delays increase risks of a child dropping out from school. Literacy delays are also to blame for chronic unemployment and other socio-economic problems like poverty if left unchecked. The importance of seeking immediate medical attention can’t, therefore, be overlooked. From the above information, it is clear that the future of your child is heavily dependent on his/her literacy skills. If your child can’t read by mid-first grade, it is advisable to take action.

Literacy problems are more common than most people think. For instance, According to NAEP statistics, approximately 40% of all 4th-grade students in the U.S. fail to achieve basic levels of literacy (proficiency more so reading). Fortunately, it is possible to deal with most children’s literacy problems effectively if they are detected early.

Literacy delays are usually exhibited as slow academic progress since literacy is a prerequisite for academic success. If your child fails to thrive academically despite receiving adequate instructions over the years and he/she is of average intellect, this is a sure sign that he/she may be experiencing literacy delays.

Parents can help children with literacy delays in some ways. As your child receives professional treatment, you can get them involved in reading/writing groups and games to boost their literacy skills. Parents can also form a habit of reading to their children on a daily basis. You can also help your child learn how to read and write faster by setting a good example. For instance, setting up a library at home and taking the time to read every day is a perfect way of helping your child cultivate a culture of reading and writing which will compensate for slow learning.