Academic Support for Kids: When School Isn’t Enough
- smartstarttutorsin
- Sep 25
- 2 min read
Every parent wants to see their child succeed in school, especially when it comes to reading since reading skills are important in so many subjects. But sometimes, despite the effort teachers put in, children need a little more support than what the classroom alone can offer.
If you’ve ever wondered whether your child might benefit from extra academic support for kids, you’re not alone.
In this post, we’ll walk through the signs that your child may need additional help and what you can do next to make sure they don’t fall further behind.
1. Your Child Is Behind Grade Level in Reading
If you’ve been told your child is reading below grade level, this is one of the clearest signs they need more than the school is providing.
Schools often have limited resources, and while teachers do their best, they may not have the time for one-on-one instruction that struggling readers need to catch up.
Extra support outside of school can give your child targeted, personalized instruction that bridges the gap.
2. Homework Is a Daily Struggle
Does homework end in tears, arguments, or avoidance? Many children who struggle with reading begin to dread homework time because it feels too hard.
If assignments take much longer than expected or your child refuses to do them, this could be a sign that they need more academic support.
3. They Show Signs of Learning Differences
Children with Dyslexia, ADHD, ADD, or processing challenges often need strategies tailored to how their brain learns best.
While schools can offer accommodations, specialized instruction outside of the classroom can make a world of difference in helping these students feel successful.
4. They’re Losing Confidence
A child who feels “behind” their classmates may start to say things like, “I’m not good at reading” or “I’ll never get this.” Low self-esteem can become a bigger barrier to learning than the reading itself.
Extra academic support helps rebuild their confidence by giving them the wins they need to keep trying.
5. You’re Unsure Why They’re Struggling
Sometimes, children don’t have a diagnosed learning difference but still struggle to keep up. Parents often say, “I can’t figure out why my child isn’t reading yet.”
This is where working with a reading specialist can help identify the root of the problem and provide the right strategies to move forward.
What You Can Do Next
If you notice your child exhibiting any of these signs, it may be time to consider looking beyond what the school can provide. Schools are wonderful places for learning, but they aren’t always able to give every child the personalized instruction they need to thrive.
That’s where additional academic support for kids comes in. As online Reading Specialists, we work with children in grades K-5 who are struggling with reading or falling behind in school.
Our goal is to close the reading gap so your child can feel confident, capable, and ready to succeed not only in school but in life. Schedule a call to learn more about how we can help your child!
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