Great Links for When Reading Is Rough Does your child have trouble with reading? Take advantage of these great links to tips, resources, and skill-builders.

Pat O'Donnell, M.Ed., C.I.T.  

In recent years, schools have begun to place more emphasis on reading. The number of books a child has to read each year has increased significantly. Many schools take part in the D.E.A.R. program -- Drop Everything and Read -- where all other activities stop for 15 or 20 minutes so everyone can just read quietly. Why all the emphasis on reading? Reading is one of the most important keys to success in school -- and success in life in general. Good reading skills make it easier to pass tests, earn high grades, and score higher on standardized tests.

But what happens if your child isn't a good reader? Is there anything you can do at home to help your child develop better reading skills? Yes, there is. These links will help you:

Understand some common reading problems.

Determine if your child needs some special reading help.

Find some fun ways to develop good reading skills.

Dyslexia is one of the most common reading problems. In movies and television, it's usually portrayed as people reversing letters when they try to read or write. But the problem can be much more complicated than that. What Is Dyslexia? explains how dyslexia can make printed words virtually undecipherable.

Imagine If You Couldn't Read This... offers a simple explanation of reading styles.

Your child is struggling with reading. Is this the normal learning process or should you be concerned? Dyslexia and Your Child outlines reading skills by age groups and gives you suggestions for simple activities you can do to help your child master these skills.

Five Signs Your Adolescent Has a Reading Problem will help you spot reading trouble in your older child.

Dad Learns to Read tells the story of Russell Cosby, who finally learned to read as an adult.

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