It’s an incredible feeling when our little ones start reading and writing on their own. Whether they’re interested in fiction or nonfiction, the beginning of the reading journey can lead them anywhere. 

However, the challenge comes in when they struggle with these skills that lay the foundation of learning. As parents, it can be painful to watch your child struggle. But you can also turn this into a bonding experience by helping them read and write. 

Now, the question is, how do they do it in a fun way that doesn’t feel overwhelming or work too much for them? This is where we come in! In this blog, we’ll share five interesting strategies to help your year 5 child with reading and writing. But before we jump right into these strategies, let’s understand the reasons for children struggling with reading and writing skills. 

Reasons for Children Struggling with Reading & Writing

Understanding why your child struggles with reading and writing can help you address these challenges effectively. Here are five key reasons to consider:

•  Limited Exposure to Literacy Activities

Children who haven’t been exposed to books, storytelling, or early writing activities may lack the foundational skills needed for literacy. Without regular practice or engaging materials, it’s harder for them to develop a love for reading and writing.

• Learning Difficulties or Disabilities

Conditions like dyslexia, dysgraphia, or ADHD can affect a child’s ability to read, write, or focus. These challenges often require specialized strategies or professional support to help your child succeed.

• Weak Vocabulary and Contextual Knowledge

A limited vocabulary or lack of background knowledge can make reading comprehension and written expression harder. When kids don’t understand a topic or have the words to express themselves, they may feel stuck or overwhelmed.

• Emotional or Behavioral Challenges

Low confidence, frustration, or lack of interest in literacy tasks can create a cycle of avoidance. When reading and writing feel like a chore, children may struggle to stay motivated or engaged.

• Physical or Cognitive Barriers

Vision problems, hearing issues, or weak fine motor skills can directly impact literacy development. If writing feels physically difficult or reading text is visually challenging, children are likely to struggle more than their peers.

Once you’ve figured out the issues your child might be facing, it’s time to incorporate effective strategies to help them. Let’s get right to them now. 

5 Strategies to Help Your Year 5 Child Struggling with Reading & Writing

Helping your Year 5 child overcome challenges with reading and writing can feel daunting, but with the right strategies, you can turn struggles into opportunities for growth. Let’s explore them now. 

Strategy 1: Build Background Knowledge and Vocabulary

Reading and writing are easier when kids have a strong foundation of knowledge and vocabulary. Here’s how you can help:

• Share Experiences to Build Context

Shared activities like visiting a park, baking, or gardening give your child real-life experiences to connect with stories or writing. Talk about what you did together and link it to books or their creative writing to make learning meaningful.

• Expand Their World with Guest Speakers and Excursions

If you’re a teacher, bring in fresh inspiration by inviting a local expert—like a firefighter or artist—or taking trips to places like museums or zoos. These experiences spark curiosity and provide ideas for reading and writing.

• Create Word Banks

After activities like a nature walk, jot down descriptive words like “rustling” or “blooming.” Revisit these words regularly to encourage their use in writing and conversation.

These simple activities make learning fun while building vocabulary and confidence.

Another way of encouraging kids’ interest in reading and writing is by engaging them in activities they enjoy. 

Strategy 2: Encourage Drawing and Talking

Sometimes, kids find it hard to express their thoughts in words. That’s where drawing and talking can be a game-changer. Here’s how you can use this strategy more effectively. 

• Visual Text Construction

Ask your child to draw pictures of what they want to write about. Once they’re done, have them describe the drawing. This makes writing less intimidating and adds a fun, creative element.

• Build Vocabulary Through Conversation

Use their drawings as conversation starters. If they’ve drawn a beach scene, ask questions like, “What sounds do you hear?” or “How does the sand feel?” This helps expand their vocabulary naturally. This can also help in developing their descriptive writing. 

• Mind Maps and Graphic Organizers

Tools like mind maps are great for organizing ideas before writing. Start with a central theme and branch out with related words or images—it’s a simple and effective way to structure thoughts.

Drawing and talking spark creativity and build confidence in expressing ideas. 

Besides these activities, you also need to introduce them to book-based activities. 

Strategies 3: Use Reading and Book-Based Activities

Books are a gateway to endless learning and imagination. With a bit of creativity, you can turn reading into an exciting adventure that captures your child’s interest and helps them develop key skills.

• Rhyme, Rhythm, and Repetition

Pick books with catchy rhymes and rhythms that your child can enjoy reading aloud. These fun patterns improve fluency and make reading more enjoyable.

• Connect Stories to Real Life

After reading a book, relate it to your child’s experiences. If the story is about friendship, talk about their own friendships to make the story more meaningful.

• Storytelling for Comprehension

Encourage your child to retell stories in their own words or act them out together. Storytelling helps deepen their understanding and nurtures creativity.

These activities make reading interactive, fun, and an excellent way to build key literacy skills.

Wondering where to begin? Check out our recommended list of best books for kids. 

Let’s move ahead and look at some activities to practice sentence formation and correction. 

Strategy 4: Practice Sentence Combining and Correction

Writing strong sentences can be tricky, but with a little practice (and some fun), your child can get the hang of it. 

• Combine Sentences for Variety

Help your child turn short, simple sentences into more interesting ones. For example, instead of “The dog barked. The dog was loud,” they could write, “The loud dog barked at the mailman.” It’s a great way to add variety and creativity.

• Correct Sentence Fragments

Make a sentence fixing a game. Write a few incomplete sentences and ask your child to “fix” them. They’ll love the challenge, and it helps sharpen their grammar skills.

• Enhance Sentence Quality with Fun Exercises

Play a “make it better” game where your child reworks basic sentences into something more detailed. For instance, “The boy ran fast” could become “The excited boy sprinted across the park.” It’s a fun way to boost their confidence and improve their writing.

Next up are the fine motor skills that help build and improve writing skills. 

Strategy 5: Develop Fine Motor Skills Through Scribbling and Drawing

Strong writing starts with strong hands, and fine motor skills are key to building confidence. Here’s how to make it fun and engaging:

• Encourage Scribbling and Drawing

Even older kids can benefit from doodling or drawing. These activities strengthen hand muscles and improve coordination, making handwriting smoother over time.

• Incorporate Practical Activities

Everyday tasks like cutting with scissors, rolling clay, or threading beads help build hand strength while doubling as fun, creative projects.

• Make Writing Playful

Turn writing into an exciting activity with finger paints, chalk, or drawing in sand. These sensory methods make practice enjoyable and less intimidating.

Mixing fun and functionality can help your child develop the motor skills they need for confident writing.

Here are some bonus tips for you to pave your child’s path to literary success. 

Also Read: Online English Reading Tutoring Lessons in Perth

Bonus Tips for Literacy Success

If you’re looking for more ways to help your child succeed with reading and writing, here are some creative and practical ideas to keep them inspired:

• Literacy Games and Songs

Learning doesn’t always have to feel like work. Word games like Scrabble, Boggle, or Hangman can make spelling and vocabulary fun. Singing nursery rhymes or playing songs with repetitive lyrics helps improve rhythm, memory, and fluency. These interactive methods make language learning enjoyable while subtly building essential skills.

• Graphic Organizers and Writing Scaffolds

Sometimes, organizing thoughts is half the battle. Tools like Frayer diagrams, concept maps, or story planners can help your child brainstorm and structure their ideas before writing. These visual aids simplify complex tasks and make writing less overwhelming, especially for reluctant learners.

• Independent Reading and Writing

Let your child take the lead by choosing books or topics they love. Whether it’s about dinosaurs, fairy tales, or superheroes, their interests will naturally spark curiosity and motivation. Similarly, encourage them to keep a journal, write stories, or create comic strips. Giving them the freedom to explore builds confidence and fosters a lifelong love of learning.

• Real-Life Literacy Activities

Show your child how reading and writing connect to everyday life. Involve them in practical tasks like writing grocery lists, reading recipes, or making birthday cards. These simple activities demonstrate that literacy is valuable and relevant, helping them see its value outside school.

By weaving these strategies into your daily routine, you’ll create a supportive and engaging environment where your child can thrive as a confident reader and writer.

Concluding Thoughts

And that’s a warp! Helping your child overcome challenges with reading and writing is a journey that requires patience, creativity, and the proper support. By incorporating these strategies into your daily routine, you're helping them enhance their literacy skills and foster a lifelong love for learning.

For additional support, consider joining the FunFox Program. FunFox offers innovative online tutoring tailored to primary school students, focusing on making learning engaging and effective. Their small-group classes, led by passionate and dedicated teachers, are designed to help students excel in reading and writing. 

Remember, every child progresses at their own pace. Celebrate the small victories, stay patient during setbacks, and maintain open communication with your child. With your support and the right resources, they'll develop the confidence and skills needed to succeed.

For more information, book a call with our team today!