Reading gets real in elementary school. Around 3rd or 4th grade, many kids shift from learning to read to reading to learn—but not every child makes that transition smoothly. This stage is where confidence can soar… or where frustration, fluency struggles, and disinterest take root.
In this episode of the Engaging Reluctant Readers Podcast, Ellen Westbrook breaks down what strong reading looks like from Kindergarten through 4th grade, why the “4th Grade Slump” happens, and how to catch signs of reading struggles before they grow into bigger challenges. You’ll walk away with clear grade-by-grade expectations, actionable strategies, and the encouragement you need to keep your child growing as a reader—no matter where they are now.
What You’ll Learn:
✔️ What “learning to read” vs. “reading to learn” actually looks like
✔️ Grade-by-grade reading milestones from Kindergarten to 4th grade
✔️ Why the 4th grade reading slump happens—and how to prevent it
✔️ Red flags that signal your child may be struggling with fluency or comprehension
✔️ Targeted strategies to build confidence, catch up, and reignite motivation
⏳ Key Episode Highlights:
[00:01:46] The shift from learning to read → reading to learn
[00:02:11] Reading milestones from K–4: decoding to comprehension
[00:05:46] What is the 4th grade slump (and why it matters)
[00:07:08] Signs your child is struggling with reading
[00:09:33] How to identify and support common reading challenges
[00:12:10] Building fluency through echo reading and phrasing
[00:14:34] Helping older kids rebuild decoding & stamina
[00:19:09] It’s never too late: rebuilding confidence in struggling readers
[00:21:54] Why strong reading skills matter beyond the classroom
[00:22:40] Sneak peek at next week’s episode
📖 Prefer to Read? Full blog post: https://engagingreluctantreaders.com/2025/05/15/is-my-child-on-track-with-reading/
📺 Prefer to Watch? YouTube video version: https://youtu.be/PTxTknwl8lQ
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It helps get this podcast out in front of more moms that need to hear it, so we can help more reluctant readers learn to love books and put an end to the nightly battles around reading!
Resources:
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