10 Early signs of dyslexia in 2nd graders every parent should know

By second grade, most children are expected to make the leap from “learning to read” to “reading to learn.” But 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 be wondering 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 — and early intervention makes a world of difference.

10 Signs of dyslexia in 2nd graders

1. Difficulty sounding out new words

   Your child struggles to “decode” unfamiliar words, even after repeated practice.

   
   

2. Frequent guessing instead of reading

   They look at the first letter of a word and guess the rest, often incorrectly.

   
   

3. Problems with spelling simple words

   Words like because, friend, or what are consistently misspelled, even after practice.

   
   

4. Slow, effortful reading

   Reading aloud is halting, choppy, and far behind classmates’ pace.

   
   

5. Trouble remembering sight words

   Common words (the, said, was) don’t stick, despite repetition.

   
   

6. Difficulty following written instructions

   Assignments take longer, not because of comprehension, but because reading the directions is a challenge.

   
   

7. Avoidance of reading tasks

   Your child may push back on reading homework, complain of headaches, or “zone out” when it’s time to read.

   
   

8. Stronger verbal skills than reading skills

   They may tell elaborate stories out loud but struggle to get the same ideas onto paper.

   
   

9. Difficulty with rhyming or word patterns

   Struggles to hear and produce rhymes - an early indicator of phonological challenges.

   
   

10. Low confidence around reading

    They may say things like “I’m dumb” or “I can’t read,” showing frustration that impacts self-esteem.

When to seek reading help

Every child develops at their own pace, but if several of these signs sound familiar, it’s worth seeking a professional opinion. Early intervention - especially from experts like speech-language pathologists trained in evidence-based reading instruction - can help close gaps before they widen.

At Ravinia Reading Center, we specialize in identifying and addressing these challenges. Our one-on-one, twice-a-week sessions are designed to give your child the skills and confidence to thrive in school and beyond.

If you’re concerned about your child’s reading progress, don’t wait. Schedule a consultation with one of our certified speech-language pathologists. Together, we’ll review your child’s needs and outline the best path forward.