Here are some first steps parents can use to help struggling readers:

• Read with your child; parents might read books just above his/her instructional level and books that would interest the child.  Let your child read to you (books on his/her independent level).  The more the child practices, hears and sees of reading the more quickly the child will move forward.
• Talk to your child’s teacher and your child’s school’s support specialist.  They will give a parent strategies and a home reading plan for the child.  They will also have book suggestions for the child. 
• Read more with your child.  If the parent loves reading and reads, the odds are much greater that the child will as well.