Many bilingual children struggle with reading in Spanish, especially if they primarily speak English. The study "Characterization of English and Spanish Language Proficiency Among Middle School English Learners with Reading Difficulties" highlights how reading difficulties affect bilingual kids and what parents can do to help.
(Source: Cambridge Journal)
Key Takeaways for Parents:
- Spanish phonics can be tricky– Some sounds in Spanish don’t exist in English, making pronunciation harder.
- Regular practice improves reading skills– Kids who read Spanish daily develop stronger literacy.
- Reading aloud builds confidence– Hearing their own voice helps kids recognize words and improve pronunciation.
What You Can Do at Home:
- Read bedtime stories in Spanish – Even short books help build vocabulary.
- Play word games– Scrabble, word searches, and flashcards make reading fun.
- Encourage writing – Have your child write short letters or stories in Spanish.
- Use subtitles– Watching Spanish shows with subtitles helps kids connect words with sounds.
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