Phonics for Struggling Readers: Empathetic, Multisensory Solutions for Parents

You’re Not Alone

If your child is having a hard time learning to read, you’re not alone, and it’s not your fault. Struggling with phonics doesn’t mean a child isn’t smart. It means they need a different approach, one that honors how they learn best.

This post is here to help. Backed by research and grounded in empathy, we’ll explore simple, multisensory phonics strategies you can use at home to help your child thrive.

Signs Your Child May Be Struggling with Phonics

• Guesses at words instead of sounding them out

• Mixes up similar-looking letters (like b and d)

• Gets frustrated or avoids reading

• Has trouble blending sounds into words

• Forgets sight words after repeated practice

Why Multisensory Learning Helps

Multisensory phonics instruction engages more of the brain by combining sight, sound, movement, and touch. It’s especially helpful for kids with:

• Dyslexia

• ADHD

• Auditory/visual processing challenges

• Low reading confidence

5 Empathetic Strategies for Home

1. Start with Strengths

Follow your child’s interests! Use drawing, music, or movement to turn reading into something joyful and relevant.

2. Use Tactile Tools

Try tracing letters in sand, building words with magnetic letters, or writing on textured paper.

3. Break It Down

Start small: practice one sound at a time, and blend simple CVC (consonant-vowel-consonant) words like cat or sun.

4. Add Rhythm and Music

Sing, clap syllables, or chant word families. Rhythm builds memory and makes phonics fun!

5. Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection

Cheer small wins with stickers, praise, or even a dance party. Consistency and encouragement go a long way.

3 Multisensory Activities to Try Today

Sound Hop

Tape letters to the floor. Call out a sound and have your child jump to the matching letter.

Story Stones

Use painted stones or bottle caps with pictures. Create silly sentences and sound out the words together.

Mystery Bag

Fill a bag with common items. Pull one out and identify the beginning sound, then build the word together.

When to Seek Extra Help

Some children benefit from additional support like:

• A structured phonics program (e.g., Orton-Gillingham, Barton)

• Literacy therapy or assessments

• Specialized instruction or accommodations

  
  

Asking for help isn’t a failure; it’s a step forward.

Final Encouragement

Reading struggles can be tough on both children and parents. But there is hope, and there are tools that work. With empathy, multisensory learning, and lots of encouragement, your child can become a reader.

You’re already doing something powerful just by reading this. Some more ideas are below.