Avoid the 4th Grade Reading Slump: How to Keep Your Child on Track from K-4 (Part 2)

Reading gets real in elementary school. Around 3rd or 4th grade, many kids shift from learning to read to reading to learn—but not every child makes that transition smoothly. This stage is where confidence can soar… or where frustration, fluency struggles, and disinterest take root.

In this episode of the Engaging Reluctant Readers Podcast, Ellen Westbrook breaks down what strong reading looks like from Kindergarten through 4th grade, why the “4th Grade Slump” happens, and how to catch signs of reading struggles before they grow into bigger challenges. You’ll walk away with clear grade-by-grade expectations, actionable strategies, and the encouragement you need to keep your child growing as a reader—no matter where they are now.

What You’ll Learn: 

✔️ What “learning to read” vs. “reading to learn” actually looks like
 ✔️ Grade-by-grade reading milestones from Kindergarten to 4th grade
 ✔️ Why the 4th grade reading slump happens—and how to prevent it
 ✔️ Red flags that signal your child may be struggling with fluency or comprehension
 ✔️ Targeted strategies to build confidence, catch up, and reignite motivation

⏳ Key Episode Highlights:

 [00:01:46] The shift from learning to read → reading to learn

 [00:02:11] Reading milestones from K–4: decoding to comprehension

 [00:05:46] What is the 4th grade slump (and why it matters)

 [00:07:08] Signs your child is struggling with reading

 [00:09:33] How to identify and support common reading challenges

 [00:12:10] Building fluency through echo reading and phrasing

 [00:14:34] Helping older kids rebuild decoding & stamina

 [00:19:09] It’s never too late: rebuilding confidence in struggling readers

 [00:21:54] Why strong reading skills matter beyond the classroom

[00:22:40] Sneak peek at next week’s episode

 📖 Prefer to Read? Full blog post: https://engagingreluctantreaders.com/2025/05/15/is-my-child-on-track-with-reading/

 📺 Prefer to Watch? YouTube video version: https://youtu.be/PTxTknwl8lQ

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Chapters

• 1:46 The shift from learning to read to reading to learn
• 2:11 Reading milestones from K-4: decoding to comprehension
• 5:46 What is the 4th grade slump (and why it matters)
• 7:08 Signs your child is struggling with reading
• 9:33 How to identify and support common reading challenges
• 12:10 Building fluency through echo reading and phrasing
• 14:34 Helping older kids rebuild decoding & stamina
• 19:09 It's never too late: rebuilding confidence in struggling readers
• 21:54 Why strong reading skills matter beyond the classroom
• 22:40 Sneak peek at next week's episode

Transcript

[00:00:00] Welcome to the Engaging Reluctant Readers podcast. I'm Ellen Westbrook, your host and Recovering Reluctant Reader. Together, we'll tackle reading roadblocks with personalized strategies and out of the box ideas, all while rediscovering the joy of family reading fun. Ready to transform your child's view of reading from dread to must be read?

[00:00:17] Let's dive into today's episode.

[00:00:24] I wanted to let you know that each episode comes with a full blog post packed with extra tips and resources, so check the episode description below for the link. 

[00:00:32] Just because your child starts elementary school doesn't mean their early literacy journey is over. In fact, it's just getting started. Last week, in part one, we talked about how kids start building skills for reading long before they pick up a book, through everyday moments, play, and lots of exposure to language.

[00:00:47] Now we're looking at what happens once they're in school and actually learning to read. Those first few years in school are when everything starts coming together. Those early building blocks like phonics, vocabulary, and understanding how words work on a page turn into real reading skills. This is when kids move from just sounding out words to reading with fluency and comprehension.

[00:01:05] And just like in part one, we're keeping our focus on milestones based on the science of reading because research shows that kids need explicit instruction in phonics and decoding to become strong, confident readers.

[00:01:16] This can be an exciting time, but it's also when reading can start to feel like work for some kids. The stories get longer, the words get harder, and suddenly the excitement they once had about books can start to fade. And for kids who struggle to pick up those early literacy skills, This is when the gap can really start to widen. 

[00:01:31] So today we're going to talk about what the next stage looks like, how to keep kids engaged in reading as they move through school, and what to do if they start struggling. Because even reluctant readers can find their groove with the right support, and I'll share exactly how to help get them there. 

[00:01:44] All right, let's get into it. 

[00:01:46] This is where the magic happens. In the early years, kids were learning basics. Letters, sounds, simple words. But now they're moving from learning to read to reading to learn. This shift happens gradually, but by the time they hit third grade, they're expected to be reading fluently and using what they read to build knowledge in every subject. But what does that actually look like? Let's break it down, grade by grade, so you know exactly what to expect and what skills they should be building at each stage.

[00:02:11] Kindergarten is all about cracking the reading code. Kids are learning how to connect letters to sounds, blend those sounds together to form words, and recognize patterns in how words are built. Instead of memorizing words by sight, they should be learning how to sound out words using phonics. For example, they'll start with simple CVC words, consonant-vowel-consonant words like "cat," "mop," and "sun." they're also developing phonemic awareness, which means they're playing with sounds, breaking words apart, blending sounds together, and recognizing rhyming patterns. 

[00:02:39] One of the biggest reading pitfalls at this stage is when kids start guessing words based on pictures or the first letter instead of actually reading the word. If you notice this happening, gently encourage them to slow down and sound it out. Guessing might seem like a shortcut, but it won't help them in the long run. As words become more and more complex, decoding is the key skill they need at this stage. 

[00:02:57] First grade is when kids start to really read. They're moving slowly from sounding out words to reading short sentences and simple stories with more fluency. They're also learning high frequency words, like the ones they see all the time in books, like "the," "what," "because," and "said." But here's the important thing. We don't want them memorizing long lists of sight words. The truth is most high frequency words can be decoded once they've learned common spelling patterns. For example, words like "can,", "not," and "when," follow predictable rules. 

[00:03:24] There are some tricky words often called "heart words" that don't follow typical phonics patterns like "said" or "does," and these need to be explicitly taught by pointing out which parts follow the rules and which parts they need to remember by heart, hence the term.

[00:03:36] By the end of first grade, their reading should start to flow a little better. They might still pause to sound out longer words, but they should be relying more on phonics skills and less on guessing. 

[00:03:45] In second grade, reading should start to feel smoother and more natural. Kids should be able to read longer sentences and short books with more confidence, and their vocabulary is growing as they recognize more spelling patterns, like silent "e" words, "bike" and "cake", vowel teams like in "boat" and "team", and words with prefixes and suffixes. They should be learning how to break words into syllables to make decoding easier and faster. 

[00:04:07] This is when fluency really starts to develop too, but fluency isn't just about speed. Just because a child reads quickly doesn't mean they actually understand what they're reading. If they're flying through the words but can't remember anything about the story, they might need to slow down and get some extra help to focus on comprehension. Encourage them to pause and think about what's happening in the story. If they struggle to remember details, try reading together and stopping every so often to talk about what's going on in the story. Making reading interactive at this stage is a key to building strong comprehension skills. 

[00:04:37] By third grade, everything shifts. Up until now, they've been focused on learning how to read. Now, they're expected to start reading to learn. They're tackling more complex texts, encountering bigger words, and using reading as a tool for learning across all subjects like science and social studies.

[00:04:52] Their vocabulary is growing fast. They're starting to learn how to figure out the meaning of new words by using context clues, basically looking at the other words in the sentence to make an educated guess. But here's the thing. They still need lots of direct teaching and discussion about new words. Just guessing from context. doesn't always work. If a child struggles with decoding at this stage, it's gonna affect their comprehension. If they spend all their energy trying to sound out words, they don't have enough brain power left to actually understand what they're reading.   

[00:05:19] If your child's avoiding chapter books, or struggling to follow a story, or skipping over words, that's a sign they might need some extra support to build fluency and confidence. Even if they can read on their own at this stage, it's a great idea to read aloud together when you can, because they'll still benefit from hearing fluent reading and discussing stories.  

[00:05:35] By 4th grade and beyond, reading isn't just something they practice in school. It's a skill they need for every subject. They should be able to read smoothly, understand more advanced sentence structures, and make connections between different texts. 

[00:05:46] But this is also when something called the 4th grade slump can hit. This happens when kids haven't built strong decoding or fluency skills and suddenly start struggling to keep up with reading heavy subjects like science and social studies. If they're falling behind in reading at this stage, they're likely to fall behind in other subjects too. This is why it's so important to make sure kids have a strong foundation, before they hit 4th grade. 

[00:06:06] If they're struggling with fluency or comprehension, it's time to take a step back and reinforce those earlier skills. Even for kids who are on track, the key here is keeping reading fun. Let them explore books that interest them, introduce different genres, and find ways to incorporate reading into everyday life, whether it's through graphic novels, magazines, or even following a recipe together. Struggles and reluctance can happen at any time, so we can't just assume that they'll stay strong readers forever. Keeping them engaged now ensures that they don't check out later.  

[00:06:33] So that's the roadmap. This is what reading should look like from kindergarten through fourth grade and beyond. But the reality is that most kids struggle somewhere along the way. In some cases, the curriculum at your child's school may not have caught up with the best practices I just mentioned, i.e., the science of reading. Or the reality of working with 15 to 30 students means your child doesn't get the one-on-one targeted support they need. Or perhaps they just need to hear things in a different way to help them click. Whatever the reason, the key is to spot these struggles as soon as possible.

[00:07:00] So let's really focus in on some key things to look for, since they aren't always walking around with a bright neon sign above their head saying, 'I'm struggling. Please help!' 

[00:07:08] So what happens when things aren't clicking? What if your child resists reading, avoids books, or just doesn't seem to be progressing at the same pace as their classmates?

[00:07:16] Now, again, not every kid follows the same timeline and plenty of kids need a little extra support before reading starts to feel easier. But if reading feels like a constant struggle, if they're working harder than they should be and still not making steady progress, it could be a sign that they've missed an important step along the way.

[00:07:30] One of the biggest things to look for is frustration. If your child dreads reading time, gets upset when asked to read out loud, or shuts down the moment they see a book, that's a sign that reading isn't feeling manageable for them. 

[00:07:41] Some kids are vocal about it. They'll flat out say, "I hate reading!" or "This is too hard." but others might avoid reading altogether, suddenly needing a snack or a bathroom break every time it's time to sit down and read. If they push through reading assignments, but seem tense, easily distracted, or emotionally drained afterwards, that's another clue reading is harder than it should be.

[00:07:59] Now don't get me wrong, reading is a hard and complex skill, but by now, it should be getting easier and easier, not staying hard and plateauing for them.

[00:08:08] Confidence plays a huge role too. If they hesitate, mumble, or rush through reading to get it over with, they may be feeling self-conscious about their skills. 

[00:08:15] This reminds me of JD back in kindergarten. Not with reading, but with handwriting. He avoided writing at all costs, and when he had to do it, he'd rush through it as fast as possible. Which, of course, didn't make things any better. He just wanted to get it over with. The way he reacted to writing is exactly how some kids feel about reading. They'll do anything to avoid it, because to them, it just feels hard.

[00:08:34] Another big thing to watch for is how they read. Not just whether they can do it, but how smoothly is it coming together? Do they read word by word in a slow, choppy way? Do they struggle to get through even short books without losing focus? Do they seem to guess at words or skip over them entirely? The key is knowing what's typical for their grade level. A first grader who still struggles to recognize letters and sounds, or a second grader who is improving in fluency and is still reading choppy, slow sentences, may need a little extra support.

[00:09:01] By third grade, if they're still relying on guessing, skipping words, or can't summarize what they've read, that's a sign that something needs to be reinforced. 

[00:09:08] If any of this sounds familiar, don't panic. These struggles don't mean that they'll never be strong readers. It just means they need the right kind of support. Watching your child struggle with reading can be tough. Maybe they're frustrated, maybe you're frustrated, or maybe you're both wondering why this feels harder than it should be. The good news, there's always a way forward. But here's the thing. It's not just about pushing more reading practice. It's about making sure they have all the right building blocks in place, so reading feels easier, not harder.

[00:09:33] The first step is figuring out exactly where they're getting stuck. Are they struggling with phonics, fluency, comprehension? Each of these needs a different approach, so let's take a step back and look at what's really going on so we can figure out how best to help them.

[00:09:46] Let's start with the earliest milestones. If your child struggled with language development as a toddler or didn't get much exposure to books early on, the best place to begin is with oral language skills. This means talking together, a lot, engaging them in conversation, describing things out loud, and encouraging back and forth exchanges.

[00:10:02] Reading aloud is huge here. Even if they're older, play with sounds, rhymes, silly songs, and focus on hearing and recognizing different sounds and words. Strong phonemic awareness means they can hear and manipulate sounds. This is the first step towards reading success. 

[00:10:16] If they're in kindergarten or first grade and are still struggling with letter recognition, phonics, or blending sounds into words, go back to hands-on multisensory learning. Instead of just looking at letters, have them trace them in sand, build them with playdough, create movements to go with each letter sound, or use magnetic letters to physically move sounds around to form words. The more interactive the better. This helps them connect sounds to letters in a way that sticks.

[00:10:39] If blending sounds together is tough. Focus on breaking words apart and putting them back together. Model it for them. Tap each letter while saying its sound. Then blend it together smoothly. If they get stuck on CVC words like "cat" or "run," slow things down and help them stretch the sounds, blending them together naturally.

[00:10:55] Keep it fun, keep it light, and avoid relying on memorization. This is about building decoding skills, not guessing words or memorizing long lists of sight words. In fact, decodable books are a great tool to help with this, because they're designed to reinforce specific phonics skills. So instead of jumping from skill to skill on a typical story, kids get lots of practice with just one pattern at a time. That way, they're not just memorizing words. They're actually building their decoding skills with each book they read.

[00:11:19] If they're in second grade, reading should start to feel smoother. If your kiddo's struggling to sound out longer words or guessing instead of decoding, the focus needs to be on reinforcing their phonics skills. They need structured practice with common spelling patterns. For example, silent "e" words like "bike" and "cake", vowel teams like "OA" and "EA" in "boat" and "team", and words with simple prefixes and suffixes. If longer words are overwhelming, break them into the syllables. Help them chunk the word instead of trying to tackle it all at once. Try covering part of the word and having them read it one chunk at a time. 

[00:11:48] Once those phonic skills are starting to come together, the next step is building fluency, helping them read smoothly and naturally instead of one word at a time. If their reading sounds choppy, have them practice reading in short phrases rather than word by word. For example, instead of "The" "dog" "ran" "fast". Encourage them to read it as "The dog" "ran fast." so they can start to hear words flow together.

[00:12:10] Echo reading, where you read a sentence smoothly first and then they repeat it back, can also help build fluency by hearing how natural reading should sound. The goal isn't speed, it's getting reading to feel more natural and connected.

[00:12:22] If they're skipping words or rushing, Encourage them to slow down and point to each word as they read. Using a tracking tool like a homemade pointer, or even just their finger, can make this part of the process more engaging

[00:12:32] . And when in doubt, reading familiar favorites can be instrumental in helping build confidence and fluency. So don't be afraid to read that book for the hundredth time, or maybe even 101. 

[00:12:42] By third grade, comprehension becomes a bigger focus. If your child is struggling here, they likely need to strengthen the earlier skills first. If they're spending all their energy trying to sound out words, they don't have enough brainpower left to focus on the meaning of what they're reading.

[00:12:55] Once phonics and fluency are solid, the next step is helping them make sense of what they're reading. Not just decoding the words but actually understanding them. If they have a hard time summarizing what they just read or remembering key details, start focusing on comprehension strategies like pausing to ask questions, helping them retell sections, and breaking down tricky vocabulary. 

[00:13:14] This is something I've been working on with JD at home. He's doing great with decoding, but when it comes to comprehension, sometimes he struggles to pick out the important details. His teacher started pulling him into small group at school to work on these skills, and at home I've been stepping up our reading time to reinforce it. We still have our fun read aloud time where the focus is just on enjoying the story, but I've also been squeezing in moments where we take turns reading and then talk about what's happening. 

[00:13:36] I'll model picking out key details and ask him to do the same. That way it's not just about his teacher asking him to think about comprehension. He's getting extra support from me too. And that's key because when kids are struggling they might feel like their teacher's singling them out or that they're the only one who doesn't get it. Reinforcing these skills at home helps them see that we're in this together. 

[00:13:53] You might get some pushback at first, so just sneak in a bit of learning whenever you can. Even if they don't engage with you right away, they're still benefiting from hearing you model how to think critically about what they're reading rather than just letting the words go in one ear and out the other before they have time to process them. Audiobooks can also be a great way to let them absorb content without the mental load of decoding so they can put their full focus into comprehension. 

[00:14:14] The way I see it, the brain's just one big muscle and all these reading skills need a little exercise now and then to stay strong. The same way we might have a leg day or an arm day instead of a full body workout every time we hit the gym. We can let their brain take a break in one area to really build up another. Comprehension, fluency, phonics. It all works together and with the right practice, those skills keep growing.  

[00:14:34] For kids in the fourth grade or beyond, reading isn't just a subject, it's the foundation of everything they do in school. If a child's struggling at this stage, they're likely falling behind in multiple areas, and the approach to intervention needs to shift. It's not just about going back and reinforcing early skills. It's about making sure they can handle the amount of reading expected of them every single day. 

[00:14:52] If decoding is still a struggle, they may need more support with breaking down multisyllabic words and recognizing common spelling patterns. 

[00:14:59] If fluency is still an issue, they should continue working on reading in phrases rather than one word at a time. You can focus on expression when reading aloud together. Really bring the sentences to life, like you're acting them out, for example, instead of, "Wow, I can't believe we made it, just in time." in a monotone voice, you naturally add emphasis and pauses. "Wow! I can't believe we made it! Just in time!" 

[00:15:21] Another great trick is echo reading, where you read a sentence first with expression and they repeat it back. It helps them hear fluent reading and match that rhythm themselves. 

[00:15:29] But one of the biggest challenges with this level is stamina. If reading is exhausting, kids will avoid it. This was a big piece of my reluctance to read, and the longer they avoid it, the more they'll fall behind. So one of the biggest things we need to focus on is helping them build endurance.

[00:15:42] Start by gradually increasing the amount of time they spend reading. If they can only focus for 5 minutes before checking out, challenge them to push to 7 minutes, then 10, or even just one extra minute. Keep it low pressure. Reward them with a small treat or words of praise for all their hard work. Because reading is hard work. 

[00:15:59] Mix in audiobooks or partner readings so they're still practicing comprehension without burning out.

[00:16:04] Another critical piece of the puzzle is helping them navigate more complex text structures. By now they're expected to read nonfiction textbooks, articles, and higher level chapter books. And sometimes the struggle isn't just reading the words. It's knowing how to approach the different types of text.

[00:16:18] If they seem lost in nonfiction, show them how to use headings, captions, bolded words, and summaries to help guide their understanding. For fiction, encourage them to pause and summarize after each chapter to keep track of what's happening. And if they're getting tripped up on long words, that's where breaking words into parts can make a big difference.

[00:16:34] If they're struggling with tricky words, help them break them down by looking at prefixes, suffixes, and root words. Understanding how words are built makes it easier to figure out the meaning in context. For example, if they see a word like unbelievable, help them break it apart. Un, meaning not, believe, and able, meaning can be done.

[00:16:52] When they start seeing these patterns, it takes some of the guesswork out of the decoding. And if they're avoiding books altogether, the key is making reading feel doable again. Let them read shorter, high interest books to rebuild confidence, before expecting them to tackle full length novels. Graphic novels, magazines, and books related to their hobbies can all count.

[00:17:09] The goal isn't just to get them reading, it's to help them trust their reading skills again. At this stage, intervention needs to be targeted, consistent, and patient. It's not about rushing them to catch up overnight. It's about filling gaps and rebuilding confidence, so reading doesn't feel like a constant struggle.

[00:17:24] I know firsthand that realizing your child needs extra help can feel overwhelming. I've ben through it with JD, and I'm in the thick of it now with Hunter. Not specifically for reading, but for other areas of learning. I get that feeling of, what if I'm overreacting, or what if this is just a phase? I want you to trust your instincts. If something feels off, it's always better to ask questions and get support early, rather than waiting it out, hoping it'll just go away. 

[00:17:44] And if you're not getting the answers you need from school, don't be afraid to advocate for your child. Talk to their pediatrician. They can point you towards specialists who can help. Sometimes simple strategies at home are enough, but other times working with a tutor, speech therapist, or reading specialist can give them the boost that they really need. 

[00:18:01] Because here's the thing. The longer reading struggles go unaddressed, the harder it is to keep up with schoolwork. Once kids hit upper elementary, reading isn't just something they practice. It's something they rely on across the board. So, if your child is struggling with reading by the time they hit third or fourth grade, it's not just a reading issue anymore. It's an everything issue. 

[00:18:18] At this stage, reading is woven in every subject. Math has word problems. Science requires reading passages. Even social studies demands pulling information from complex texts. And when reading is a struggle, school itself can feel impossible. Or maybe your kid's school is like my boy's school, where science and history are blended into their language arts curriculum. You might see other subjects start to take a hit even sooner if this is the case.

[00:18:40] For many kids, this is the point where they start to check out. Not because they don't want to learn, but because everything feels harder than it should be. And I get it. If you had to put in double the effort just to get through a single assignment, you'd probably feel the same way.

[00:18:51] Studies show that children who struggle with reading at the start of fourth grade are four times less likely to graduate on time. They're also four times more likely to drop out of high school. And let's be real, the last few years have made things even tougher. Many kids missed out on crucial early reading instruction during remote learning. And for those already struggling, that gap has only widened. 

[00:19:09] I don't say this to scare you, just to emphasize why it's so important to step in as soon as you can. And here's the good news. It's never too late to catch up. It won't be a walk in the park. It will require patience, consistency, and a targeted approach so the gaps that were missed earlier can be filled. Sometimes that means revisiting phonics skills, even if your child's already in upper elementary. 

[00:19:27] Other times it's about helping them rebuild confidence so they don't shut down the second they see a long passage. And if your child's already avoiding books, we need to focus on making reading feel fun, all over again. That might mean breaking things into smaller chunks, reading together, or even using audiobooks to help them keep up with learning while they work on strengthening their reading skills. They even have apps now that allow you to snap a photo and have text read aloud to you.

[00:19:49] I don't want to call out any by name since I haven't given them a proper try myself just yet, but I love that this would mean any book could be turned into an audiobook. No more searching for the same variation that's been converted into an audiobook format, which in the past was so limiting. I'll continue to investigate these apps and report back soon.

[00:20:05] Follow me on social media @EngagingReluctantReaders to see what I discover.

[00:20:09] The one thing I want you to take away from this episode is that what matters most is not ignoring the struggle. The longer we wait, the harder it is to close the gap. But with the right support, even kids who are years behind in reading can catch up and gain confidence again.

[00:20:22] Once you've built up their skills, the next step is keeping the momentum going. Because the more they read, the better they get. The easiest way to do this is to make reading a habit. Even if it's just 10 minutes a day, that consistency makes a huge difference, and it doesn't always have to be a sit down with a book moment.

[00:20:36] Audiobooks, following a recipe together, reading directions in an activity book, or even reading instructions for a board game. It all counts. And it's all great, terrific practice, too. One of my favorite ways to keep the habit strong is to follow their interests. I cannot stress this one enough. 

[00:20:50] In fact, I spent most of Episode 3 talking about the importance of finding their just right books, so if you need a refresher, go back and give it a listen.

[00:20:57] The goal is to make reading something they enjoy, not something they have to force themselves through. And when books match what they already love, it can be a huge motivator. 

[00:21:05] With JD, his interests have shifted a lot. We went from trucks, to dinosaurs, to outer space, to Pokemon, and now he's all about historical fiction, a bit of mythology and fantasy now that they've read Percy Jackson and the Olympians at school. And at home, too. If I handed him a truck book today, he'd roll his eyes at me. But because I keep finding books that match his current interests, he stays excited about reading. 

[00:21:26] The trick is to keep adjusting. If your child suddenly loses interest, it doesn't mean they're done with books altogether. It could just mean they just need something new to spark their curiosity again. Keep presenting different types of stories, different formats, and different ways to engage with reading. The goal isn't just to get them reading. It's to help them develop a love for books that lasts. 

[00:21:43] Helping your child grow as a reader isn't about overnight success. It's about small, consistent wins. Every book they finish, every tricky word they work through, every moment they spend engaged in a story adds up. 

[00:21:54] And here's the thing, reading isn't just about school, it's a life skill. It's how they'll explore new ideas, build their knowledge, and connect with the world. Whether it's diving into a novel, reading instructions for their favorite game, or researching something they're curious about, strong reading skills can open doors for them. Far beyond the classroom. 

[00:22:11] But more than anything, we want reading to be something they enjoy. At the end of the day, it's not just about teaching them to read. It's about helping them learn to love books, stories, and learning. So keep making it fun, follow their interests, and remember, keep the pressure off.

[00:22:24] Some children need more support than others, and it's our job as parents to get them the help they need while making sure they feel supported, encouraged, and confident in their reading journey. You're already doing so much just by being here, learning how to support them, and making reading a priority in your home. Keep at it, you've got this! 

[00:22:40] Now that we've addressed how you can help fill the gaps to get your child confidently reading on their own, you might be wondering, does that mean sharing story time together is over? Absolutely not. In fact, reading aloud together is just as important now as it was when they were toddlers.

[00:22:53] In our next episode, we'll dive into why reading aloud still matters, at any age. We'll talk about how it builds deeper connections, strengthens comprehension, and even helps reluctant readers feel more confident. Plus, I'll share fun, practical ways to keep it going, even when life gets busy. Because here's the thing. Just because they can read on their own, doesn't mean they don't still need you. 

[00:23:12] Looking for more details? There's a full blog post with extra tips and resources for each episode. You'll find the link for this week's episode in the description.

[00:23:19] Thanks so much for tuning into today's episode. If you're loving the Engaging Reluctant Readers podcast, I'd love it if you could leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, so these strategies can be shared to take more kiddos from dread to must-be read. 

[00:23:32] Are you ready to spark some reading inspiration?

[00:23:34] Head on over to bit.ly/RBLBundle to get your free Reading Bucket List Bundle. With 164 inspiring ideas, you can give your child the power to choose where, what, and how they embark on their reading adventures and embrace reading on their own terms. No more pulling teeth, just excitement and a genuine love for stories anytime, anywhere.

[00:23:56] By snagging your bundle, you'll stay in the reading groove and never miss out on upcoming episodes. Until next time, this is Ellen Westbrook wishing you, happy reading!