Introduction

If your teen finds reading challenging, it can be frustrating for both of you. But why do students struggle with reading comprehension anyway?

Understanding the reasons behind their struggles is the first step toward helping them succeed. Let’s explore some of the most common causes of reading difficulties and practical ways to support your teen in overcoming them.

1. Struggles with Comprehension

One of the most common reasons teens struggle with reading is difficulty understanding what they’ve read. This can stem from:

• Missing foundational skills, such as the ability to identify main ideas or use context clues

• Being forced to read at their current grade level rather than their actual reading level

• Encountering books with challenging language that slows down their progress

• A lack of confidence, often due to struggling in the past or receiving poor grades on reading assignments.

When comprehension feels out of reach, reading becomes frustrating instead of enjoyable.

2. Limited Vocabulary

Vocabulary is essential to reading comprehension. When teens encounter unfamiliar words, it can disrupt their understanding of the text. If they don’t know how to use context clues or haven’t been consistently building their vocabulary, this challenge becomes even greater.

Expanding their vocabulary through regular practice is one of the most effective ways to improve both their confidence and their ability to comprehend more complex texts.

3. Lack of Interest or Motivation

For some teens, the issue isn’t ability but interest. School reading assignments, particularly classics, can feel irrelevant to their lives or future goals. This lack of engagement can make reading feel like a burden instead of an opportunity for growth.

However, reading a variety of texts, including classics, helps teens develop critical skills, such as analytical thinking and problem-solving. When teens understand the value of these skills, they’re more likely to approach reading with a positive mindset.

4. Signs Your Teen Is Struggling

It’s not always obvious when a teen is having trouble with reading. Here are some signs to watch for:

• They read at a noticeably slow pace

• They struggle to summarize what they’ve read

• They frequently fall behind on reading assignments

• Their writing, when based on reading, lacks depth or detail

If you notice any of these signs, it might be time to offer additional support.

5. How You Can Help

The good news is that with the right approach, your teen can make meaningful progress in their reading skills. Here are some strategies to try:

• Read alongside them: Start by reading together to provide support, then gradually encourage them to read independently.

• Start with foundational skills: If they’re missing key skills, take the time to build them up before moving on to more advanced tasks.

• Let them choose books: Outside of school, give them the freedom to pick books that interest them. This increases motivation and engagement.

• Encourage practice: Remind them that progress takes effort. The more they read, the more comfortable and confident they’ll become.

Final Thoughts

Reading challenges don’t have to be permanent, but progress takes effort, and practice alone isn’t always enough. Guided support can make all the difference in helping your teen build the skills and confidence they need to succeed. If you’ve been wondering why do students struggle with reading comprehension, now you know the key reasons and that there are solutions!

If your teen is struggling, I’d love to help. In our sessions, we’ll focus on strengthening foundational skills, boosting confidence, and making reading a more enjoyable experience. Contact me today to learn how my tutoring can give your teen the support they need to thrive.