If your child is struggling to read, you may find yourself wondering: "Is this dyslexia or could it just be a reading delay?" It's a question we hear all the time from parents. The truth is, both can look similar in the early years - slow progress, difficulty sounding out words, and frustration during reading. But the causes and the type of support needed are very different. Here's how to tell the difference between a reading delay and dyslexia, and how to know when it's time

When you notice something's Wrong You've noticed the signs. Your child avoids reading homework. They struggle to sound out simple words. They get frustrated during class assignments. Maybe you've read about the early signs of dyslexia and thought: This sounds like my child. Now you're facing the next question: How do I bring this up with my child's teacher? Starting this conversation can feel intimidating. You might worry about overreacting or being "that parent." But here's

Many parents notice reading struggles around second grade , but the signs of dyslexia often begin much earlier. In fact, subtle language and learning differences can appear in preschool, kindergarten, or first grade, long before formal reading instruction begins. Recognizing these early patterns matters. The sooner a child receives help, the easier it is to build the skills they need for lifelong success. Here’s what parents and teachers should look for, and what to do if you

(And how they help struggling readers.) When you hear the term speech-language pathologist  (or SLP ), you might think of someone who helps children pronounce sounds or overcome speech delays. That’s true, but it’s only part of the story. At Ravinia Reading Center, every lesson is taught by a certified speech-language pathologist because their expertise goes far beyond speech. SLPs are trained in how the brain processes language, and that makes them uniquely qualified to help

Is your child struggling to read?  You've probably heard the term " Science of Reading " in news articles, parent groups, or school board meetings. It's reshaping how educators think about literacy instruction across the country. But what does it actually mean, and more importantly, what does it mean for your child? At Ravinia Reading Center, the Science of Reading guides what we do. It's not a trendy catchphrase. It's decades of research that show us exactly how children lea

Technology touches nearly every part of a child's life - from homework and classroom tools to entertainment and communication. For children with reading disabilities or dyslexia, this digital shift brings both opportunities and challenges. Screens have replaced textbooks. Online learning has become the norm. Parents often ask: "Is all this technology helping or hurting my child's reading progress?" The answer depends on how digital tools are used and whether they complement o

You've set the table, opened the book, and encouraged your child to start their reading homework, but almost immediately, the tears, sighs, or frustration begin. If this sounds familiar, you're not alone. Many parents of struggling readers face nightly homework battles. What looks like avoidance or defiance is often rooted in deeper frustration and fear of failure. The good news? With understanding, structure, and a few practical strategies, you can transform reading time int

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If your child is struggling with reading, you've probably heard about IEPs (Individualized Education Programs) and 504 Plans . Both are...

When your child struggles with reading, finding the right help can feel overwhelming. As a parent in Chicago, you're probably asking yourself some familiar questions: How do I know if this could be dyslexia? Where can I get my child properly tested? And once I have answers, what comes next? You're not alone in these concerns, and there's encouraging news. Chicago offers excellent resources for both testing and reading intervention. However, understanding your options and choo

If your child is struggling with reading, you may have already leaned on your school for extra support. Many schools offer small-group...

If you’ve been researching solutions for your struggling reader, you’ve probably come across programs like Wilson Reading System  and...

One of the first questions parents ask us is: “ How long will it take before I see my child making progress? ” It’s an important — and...

If your child is falling behind in reading, you’ve likely heard two options: hire a r eading tutor or seek a reading intervention program...

By second grade, most children are expected to make the leap from “learning to read” to “reading to learn.” However, for some kids, reading doesn’t click as quickly as it should. If you’ve noticed your child avoiding reading homework, guessing at words, or lagging behind peers, you may wonder if it’s something more than just a slow start. Dyslexia , a common learning difference, often becomes clearer in the early elementary years. Knowing the signs can help you act early. Ear

As parents, educators, or guardians, finding the right reading center for children can be a challenging task. With numerous options...

Reading is a fundamental skill that opens doors to knowledge and imagination. However, many children face challenges that hinder their...

In our fast-paced world, strong reading skills are more essential than ever. Reading unlocks knowledge, fosters creativity, and enhances...

In today's educational landscape, the need for tailored strategies in teaching has never been more evident. One particular area where...

Reading is an essential skill, yet many individuals face challenges when it comes to this critical ability. Whether you're a parent,...