Ask the Expert in Reading Comprehension

Question: My daughter was diagnosed with ADD two years ago. She is on medication, but I feel that she has not shown any gains in reading in those 2 years. Is it hopeless, or is there something that can be done?

Answer: Many people assume that the medication for ADD is suddenly going to make someone a good reader. The medication may help the child focus better, but the child still needs to receive reading instruction in the areas that he or she needs. The medication does not teach reading; it helps the student stay concentrated.

If your daughter is not reading well, then we must find out why. We must do a reading diagnosis to find out her gaps in the different areas of reading. Once that is done, then systematic instruction to fill in those gaps must be provided. It is definitely not hopeless. At our National Reading Diagnostics Institute we have been helping all types of learners become fluent readers, including students with ADD. There is definitely hope. You are welcome to contact me with more specifics about your daughter's situation and I will be glad to help her.

Question: My 10th grade son used to do well in school when he was in elementary school and middle school, but now he is struggling and even getting C's, D's, and F's in some subjects. What happened to him and how can I help him?

Answer: It is not uncommon for students to experience a more difficult time in high school than in elementary and middle school. Suddenly, there is a heavy emphasis on reading textbooks in the various content areas. There are also more tests and assignments. What I recommend is that you find out whether he can read the texts at the level at which they are written. A reading diagnosis can determine your son's reading level. Then we can compare that to the reading level at which the textbooks are written. If there is a gap, then your son's reading level needs to be raised through instruction in the areas in which he has gaps. Another cause may be that he can read the texts at the level at which they are written, but he lacks study skills and test-taking skills. If he does not know how to study for a test, or does not understand the test format, then he may have trouble demonstrating what he understands. This is another area to look at. A third reason may be that he lacks the vocabulary knowledge for the texts that he is reading. If he is missing so many words due to lack of knowing what they mean, there could be gaps in his comprehension. If this is true, then he needs to build his vocabulary in the content areas. Once the proper reading diagnosis is made regarding his skills, then steps can be taken to raise his grades. Memory skills can be taught. We have seen thousands of children and teens raise their grades by teaching them memory techniques. At our reading institute we teach them how to improve their memory through their best learning styles and have had remarkable improvements in grades within the very same marking period. If you wish, you can contact us for more specific help for your son to help him be as successful in high school as he was in his earlier years!

Message to Parents, Teachers, Students, Trainers, and Visitors from the Author and Reading Expert, Ricki Linksman:

Welcome! When my first book, Solving Your Child's Reading Problems was published in 1995, followed by How to Learn Anything Quickly, and Your Child Can Be a Great Reader, I began receiving letters and calls from around the world from people who had questions and problems about reading and learning. Realizing that people need a place to go to for help, guidance, and direction in this area--whether for themselves or for their children, students, or trainees. I know how frustrating it can be when you can't seem to find the help and answers you need. Over the years people have told me that I have helped them find answers to difficult problems that they could not find anywhere else. Through reading diagnosis I have helped many people improve their reading. If I did not have the answer myself, I would research to find out the solution, or point people towards a resource where they can get the answer. I hope I can also be of assistance to you with your questions and difficulties to give your peace of mind and positive solutions.

Books by Ricki Linksman: Nationally Recognized Leader in Accelerated Learning and Reading Comprehension

Your Child Can Be a Great Reader

A must for any parent, teacher, or tutor who wants to improve their children's teens', or students' reading ability and help them love reading. It offers everything one needs to know to accelerate the process of learning to read, from learning phonics, vocabulary strategies, comprehension, independent strategies to developing a lifelong love of books. (Citadel Press, New York, 1999) Available only through National Reading Diagnostics Institute.

Solving Your Child's Reading Problems: An Invaluable Companion for Every Parent

You can put an end to your child's frustration! With this book, you can finally help your child overcome any kind of reading problem and get back to grade level or beyond. This simple, step-by-step guide shows you everything you need to help solve your child's reading difficulties: how to diagnose reading problems at any age, how to boost self-confidence and motivation, and how to transform your child into an independent, successful reader. Proven, practical exercises and short, fun activities will ease your child's way into the world of reading. (Hardcover, Publisher: MJF Books, Fine Communications, New York, 1995) Available at all fine bookstores.