Many parents who seek assessments for their children often express concerns like, “I thought my child was just being lazy,” or “I believed he just needed to try harder.” These comments frequently come after a special education evaluation when the child does not qualify for additional support. This issue is even more common if the child is highly verbal and engages in sophisticated conversations with adults. Parents might wonder, “He’s so bright. Why doesn’t he apply himself?”
Understanding the Root of the Issue
It’s important to recognize that most children genuinely want to learn and seek to make their parents proud. When a child appears unmotivated or “lazy,” it’s crucial to investigate the underlying causes. More often than not, the issue lies in the method of instruction. Many children require
different teaching strategies to grasp reading effectively.
Phonemic Awareness and Systematic Phonics Instruction
If a child struggles with reading, it may be due to a need for targeted instruction in phonemic awareness. Phonemic awareness is the ability to hear, identify, and manipulate phonemes, which are the smallest units of sound in language. This foundational skill is crucial for developing reading abilities. Following phonemic awareness, children often benefit from explicit, systematic phonics instruction. Phonics teaches children how to connect sounds with letters or groups of letters, which is essential for reading and spelling.
How to Support Your Child
This article explores various reasons why a child might seem unmotivated and offers strategies for parents to discuss homework and school effectively with their child. Understanding these factors can help in addressing any reading difficulties and in finding the right approach to support your child’s learning journey.
Rather than attributing a child’s lack of motivation to laziness, it’s essential to explore potential learning challenges and provide appropriate instructional support. By focusing on phonemic awareness and systematic phonics instruction, you can help your child overcome reading difficulties and foster a more positive attitude towards learning.
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