Every child deserves the opportunity to unlock the world of literacy, yet for many, reading doesn’t come easily. As a former teacher and principal with over 20 years of experience, I’ve witnessed firsthand the frustration and discouragement that struggling readers face. These students often feel isolated, believing they’re the only ones who don’t “get it.” The reality, however, is that they’re not alone. Millions of students struggle with reading, and with the right support, they can overcome these challenges and thrive.

The key to helping struggling readers is understanding that their difficulties often stem from foundational gaps in literacy skills. This is where the Science of Reading and evidence-based approaches like the Orton-Gillingham Method come into play. At VoWac Publishing, we’ve dedicated over 33 years to empowering children through literacy, and today I’ll share strategies to support struggling readers, drawing from both research and personal experience.

When a child struggles with reading, it’s rarely due to lack of effort. Instead, their difficulties often arise from gaps in phonemic awareness, decoding skills, or language comprehension. These foundational skills are essential for fluent reading and comprehension, and when they’re weak, even simple texts can feel insurmountable.

This is where vowel-oriented learning becomes critical. Vowels are the heartbeat of the English language, forming the core of every syllable. Yet, they’re often the most challenging for students to grasp. Without a solid understanding of vowel sounds and patterns, decoding becomes a guessing game rather than a systematic process. As an educator, I saw this time and again: students who struggled with vowels were the ones most likely to fall behind.

The beauty of literacy instruction lies in its transformative power. I’ve seen students go from tears of frustration to beaming smiles as they proudly read their first full sentence. This transformation is not only possible but achievable with the right tools and strategies. The Science of Reading has shown us that systematic, explicit instruction particularly in phonics is essential for all learners, especially those who struggle.

This is where the Orton-Gillingham Method shines. By combining multi-sensory techniques with structured, sequential instruction, this approach meets students where they are and builds their skills step by step. At VoWac Publishing, we’ve crafted resources that embody these principles, focusing on vowel-oriented learning to address one of the most common pain points for struggling readers. Our goal is simple: to empower educators and, in turn, their students.

One of the most effective ways to support struggling readers is through multi-sensory learning. This approach engages multiple senses simultaneously, helping students form stronger connections between sounds, symbols, and meanings. For example, tracing letters in sand while saying the corresponding sound can reinforce phonemic awareness and improve retention. Explicit instruction is another cornerstone of effective reading intervention. Struggling readers often need skills broken down into smaller, manageable steps. Teaching should be systematic, starting with the simplest concepts and gradually building to more complex ones. For example, students should master short vowel sounds before tackling vowel combinations or diphthongs. Each success builds confidence, paving the way for further progress.

Repetition and practice are also vital. While this may seem obvious, it’s worth emphasizing: struggling readers often need more exposure and practice to solidify new skills. Incorporating engaging, varied activities ensures they stay motivated while reinforcing learning. Finally, fostering a positive and supportive learning environment can make all the difference. Reading struggles often take a toll on students’ self-esteem, so it’s crucial to celebrate their efforts and progress. As educators, parents, or tutors, our encouragement can be the catalyst that keeps them moving forward.

When I joined VoWac Publishing in 1997, I was driven by a passion for helping students succeed. Having worked in Title I schools and special education, I’d seen the challenges that struggling readers face and the impact it has on their confidence and future opportunities. When I purchased the company in 2013, I made it my mission to stay true to its founding principles while expanding our reach and resources.

Our vowel-oriented word courses are the result of decades of dedication and collaboration with educators. These courses aren’t just about teaching vowels; they’re about giving students the tools they need to decode and understand language, opening doors to a lifetime of learning. It’s deeply rewarding to hear from teachers who’ve used our materials to transform their classrooms and from parents who’ve seen their children flourish.

Struggling readers are not doomed to a lifetime of difficulty. With the right strategies and support, they can become confident, capable readers. The key lies in addressing their foundational skills, using evidence-based approaches like the Orton-Gillingham Method, and providing resources that make learning engaging and effective.

At VoWac Publishing, we’re committed to empowering children through literacy. Our vowel-oriented learning courses are designed to bridge gaps, build skills, and instill a love for reading. Whether you’re an educator seeking effective tools or a parent looking for ways to support your child, we’re here to help. Visit vowac.com to learn more about our resources and discover how you can make a difference in the life of a struggling reader. Together, we can transform challenges into opportunities and empower the next generation through the gift of literacy.